Smithtown Planning Official Honored For Helping Shape Town’s Future

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown Assistant Planning Director Allyson Murray was honored with the town’s May 2026 Exceptional Public Service Award during a recent Town Board meeting.

The monthly award recognizes public servants whose dedication, professionalism, and character have made a lasting impact on the community, town officials said.

“Allyson is one of those rare public servants whose intelligence, institutional knowledge, and quiet determination have helped shape the future of this Town in ways that will be felt for generations,” Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said. “She has an extraordinary ability to see both the fine details and the larger vision, turning complex challenges into real progress for our residents.”

Murray has worked for the Town of Smithtown for more than 20 years and has been involved in many of the town’s planning and revitalization initiatives, officials said.

Murray is also known among colleagues for her kindness, dependability and willingness to help with difficult planning matters, community events and unexpected challenges, officials said.

A Lindenhurst High School and Cornell University graduate, Murray lives with her husband, Sean, and their three children, Julie, Lena and Jacob.

She began her career with the town in December 2003 as a planning aide before rising through the ranks as planner, senior planner and principal planner. She now serves as assistant planning director.

Town officials said Murray has contributed to the town’s Comprehensive Plan, Kings Park Master Plan, environmental initiatives, zoning updates, sewer infrastructure planning and grant administration.

She was also among the key officials involved in Smithtown securing a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award from New York State, officials said.

“Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but her impact is written into the very fabric of Smithtown — in our planning, our revitalization efforts, our environmental initiatives, and the opportunities we are creating for the next generation,” Wehrheim said. “We are a stronger, smarter, and more resilient community because of Allyson Murray.”