Spartanburg names new planning director with South Carolina ties

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Spartanburg has named Fredalyn Michelle Frasier as its new planning director.

Fredalyn, a leader in urban planning and design, returns to her South Carolina roots to manage Spartanburg’s growth and development strategies, a news release stated.

Fredalyn’s career in urban planning is marked by her leadership of interdisciplinary teams on transformative projects across the Southeast and the Bahamas, the release stated. From post-Katrina planning efforts in New Orleans, to tax allocation district planning for the Atlanta Beltline and regeneration strategies for Nassau, her work is a testament to her expertise, the release stated.

Fredalyn is no stranger to South Carolina. She spearheaded the Lowcountry Model Communities Revitalization Master Plan in North Charleston and led the multidisciplinary team for the 72,000-acre East Edisto land development strategy for MeadWestvaco in Charleston/Dorchester/Berkely counties, the release stated. Early in her career she led the planning team responsible for the first comprehensive plan for the town of Hilton Head Island.

During her most recent tenure as the planning and urban design senior director with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Central Atlanta Progress, Fredalyn was charged with facilitating an efficient downtown development review process and successfully established operational and programming elements for the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District, enhancing public spaces and promoting local art and culture, the release stated.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Fredalyn back to South Carolina and into our Spartanburg community,” said City Manager Chris Story in the release. “Her comprehensive experience, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to community development, positions her as the ideal team member to direct our city planning initiatives toward continued sustainable growth and prosperity.”

As Spartanburg’s planning director, Fredalyn will lead the city’s planning department, with a critical focus on comprehensive development and the update to zoning and land use regulations, the release stated. A pivotal part of her role includes advancing the city’s new comprehensive plan, a $750 million initiative set to reshape Spartanburg through significant investments by local, regional, and national developers. This includes a landmark $435 million minor league baseball stadium, encircled by extensive mixed-use development.

“Taking on this role feels like coming full circle for me, blending my years of professional experience with a personal commitment to making communities better places to live,” said Frasier in the release. “Working across different regions and with communities of every demographic blend has taught me a lot about what it takes for a place to flourish in its own unique way. I’m excited to apply these insights in Spartanburg, contributing to the significant work already in progress, and helping to bring impactful ideas to the table.

“I was drawn to the collaborative spirit that exists in Spartanburg and look forward to working together with the city team and the community in advancing the city’s goal to be a thriving, inclusive and sustainable place for everyone.”

The Boland Group supported the City of Spartanburg in conducting the Planning Director search, winnowing the field from over 250 prospects and sources from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia to four finalists in 90 days.