Davidson's planning director now has affordable housing in his job title, too.

Town Manager Austin Nantz announced Tuesday, Aug. 11, that Jason Burdette has been promoted from planning director to the newly created position of Director of Planning and Housing Initiatives. The move makes affordable housing strategy a standalone priority within Davidson's government, paired with the land-use planning work Burdette has led since joining the town in 2012.

"Housing affordability is one of the most significant challenges facing communities across our region," Burdette said in the town's announcement. He said he looks forward to working with the Board, residents, developers and community partners to support Davidson's affordable housing goals.

Burdette's expanded duties include developing affordable housing strategies, pursuing grant funding, coordinating with developers and nonprofit partners, overseeing housing programs and regulatory requirements, and tracking progress toward the Board of Commissioners' adopted housing goals. He will also recommend policy changes and advise the Town Board on housing matters.

Nantz said the promotion aligns planning and housing under one leader. He called Burdette's track record in community development "exceptional" and said the restructuring advances the Board's strategic priorities.

Why now

The timing tracks with broader shifts at Town Hall. The new role arrives six weeks after Nantz himself took office as town manager on July 1. When the Board of Commissioners appointed Nantz on June 9, Mayor Rusty Knox specifically cited Nantz's work "advancing the Town's affordable housing initiatives" as a key qualification for the job.

Davidson's fiscal year 2026 budget includes a dedicated Affordable Housing fund line item, part of a two-year strategic plan the Board approved in April 2024. The expanded director position gives that budget priority a named point person.

What Burdette brings

Burdette has spent 14 years with the town, guiding development review and implementation of the Davidson Planning Ordinance. In January 2025, he led public engagement on the Red Line Commuter Rail project, presenting to a packed room at the Hurt Hub.

How to weigh in

The Davidson Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall and Community Center, 251 South St. Residents can contact the town clerk's office to submit public comments on housing policy between meetings.