City of Gainesville hires development services advocate

Published on February 20, 2026

The City of Gainesville has hired Ralph Hilliard as its development services advocate, a position designed to assist residents, small business owners and developers with permitting, planning and zoning processes. He began in the new role Feb. 16.

Hilliard returns to the city after serving most recently as a planning manager in the Department of Sustainable Development from 1996 to 2017. Starting as an intern in the mid-’80s, he assumed progressively responsible roles, including comprehensive planning chief.

“With the knowledge and experience he brings to the role, he is a great addition to our staff and an essential resource for our community,” said Special Advisor and Interim Chief Operating Officer Brian Singleton. “He’ll help refine internal processes and coordination.”

The part-time position was established at the direction of the Gainesville City Commission following a presentation last May by Special Advisor George Burgess outlining strategies to advance the commission’s economic development priorities. Previously, the work of resolving service bottlenecks, permit issues and project delays were managed across several divisions.

“I am looking forward to being able to help the community navigate the process,” said Hilliard. “I’ve been doing this as a commercial realtor so it’s a really good fit.”

Hilliard earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi Valley State University.

Building a strong and resilient local economy is a key principle of the city’s strategic plan.