Springfield promotes Atchley to principal planner

Bob Atchley, senior city planner since 2017, has been promoted to principal planner within the city of Springfield’s Planning and Development Department.  

In his new role, effective Jan. 26, Atchley will provide advanced leadership to support planning and development, City Council priorities and initiatives of the city’s Forward SGF comprehensive plan. The principal planner role previously was held by Randall Whitman, who was hired by the city of Ozark last year. 

“With 20 years of experience in municipal and county planning, Bob brings extensive expertise in long-range planning, growth and annexation, housing policy, grant administration and intergovernmental coordination,” said Steve Childers, director of Planning and Development, in a news release. 

Hired by the city of Springfield nine years ago, Atchley previously worked as a planning administrator in Christian and Taney counties. 

His experience includes managing high-volume development review processes, supporting the modernization of development regulations, coordinating stormwater and floodplain management activities, and assisting with grant-funded infrastructure and community resilience projects.  

“Bob is well respected for his collaborative approach, strong institutional knowledge and sincere commitment to community betterment and quality of place,” Childers said in the release. 

Atchley has a bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning from Missouri State University and has completed 30 credit hours toward a master’s degree in public administration with a planning emphasis.  

“My academic background is rooted in community and regional planning,” Atchley said in the release.