Kathy Field, Statesboro’s Director of Planning and Development, attended her final City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 20, marking the end of a five-year tenure that transformed the city’s approach to growth and development. Her retirement, effective at the end of May, closes a career in public planning that has spanned more than three decades across both Georgia and New England.
Field joined the city on April 20, 2020, and was immediately tasked with guiding Statesboro through a period of rapid growth and complex land-use decisions. “Kathy’s extensive amount of experience in the field of urban planning and development has been paramount in the development of her employees, as well as the management of record growth within the city limits,” said Mayor Jonathan McCollar, reading prepared remarks during Tuesday’s meeting. “Her pleasant personality will be missed. However, we are very grateful for her contributions to the City of Statesboro, and we wish her the very best as she transitions into retirement.”
Over the past five years, Field led a series of sweeping planning reforms and initiatives. She modernized the city’s outdated zoning framework, beginning with the introduction of the International Property Maintenance Code and a townhouse-specific ordinance, followed by a full rewrite of the city’s zoning and subdivision rules. The result was the adoption of a Unified Development Code—streamlining development regulations and providing clear, consistent guidance to developers and residents alike.
She also directed major policy planning efforts, including Statesboro’s Five-Year Comprehensive Plan update, a Strategic Plan, and both a Housing Study and Affordable Housing Study that helped guide the city’s response to housing shortages and affordability challenges. Field’s leadership in crafting the Downtown Master Plan helped position the city center for long-term mixed-use development and increased walkability.
In addition to policy work, Field initiated the city’s Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist in restoring aging homes in targeted neighborhoods. She was also instrumental in establishing the Statesboro Land Bank Authority, a major step toward reclaiming blighted or tax-delinquent properties for productive reuse.
Field also provided guidance and oversight on numerous residential developments, including Pointe Grand Apartments, Gentilly Townhomes, Bryant’s Landing senior living, and subdivisions along Lakeview Road, Cypress Lake Road, and Burkhalter Road—projects that have added hundreds of housing units to meet increasing demand within the city limits.
Reflecting on her departure Tuesday night, Field was clear about what made her time in Statesboro stand out. “I could not have done all of these policy documents without the support of the leadership team,” she said. “It’s truly the best team that I’ve worked with in all my years of experience. Also with my staff, which I give a lot of credit to—they really helped me implement all of these policies. It’s bittersweet leaving, but it’s time. So thank you very much.”
Prior to her work in Statesboro, Field served in senior planning roles for the cities of Roswell, McDonough, and Milton, and earlier as Planning Director for the Boston Housing Authority. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Trinity Washington University.
In addition to her municipal work, Field served on the board of the Georgia Planning Association and chaired Senior Services North Fulton, further demonstrating her commitment to strategic growth and community development.
As she closes her public service career, Field leaves behind a stronger planning foundation and a city better equipped to manage the future. While her departure marks the end of an era, her legacy will continue to shape Statesboro for years to come.
