Christopher Looney had long been a citizen of New Braunfels upon being named the Director of Planning and Community Development in May of 2015. As New Braunfels’ Planning Director, Christopher has focused on innovation and continuous improvement, and led the community’s Comprehensive Plan update which won the 2018 American Planning Association award for best Comprehensive Plan in the State of Texas.

Christopher is originally from Uvalde, Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas State University. He is nearing completion of a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Ethical Leadership from Schreiner University in Kerrville. He received his certification with the American Planning Association (APA) American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) in 2009. And, he is the current Texas Municipal League Affiliate for the State Chapter of the APA, assisting Texas cities with review and analysis of state legislation.

Christopher began his career as a Planner with the City of San Angelo, Texas in the late 1990s. He then moved to the City of San Antonio, beginning first as a Planner II, then served in a variety of roles over 12-plus years in the Development Services Department including the positions Senior Planner, Planning Manager, Interim Assistant Director, and Policy Administrator. He also served as Assistant Director of San Antonio’s Planning and Community Development Department and is a graduate of the City of San Antonio’s/The WHY Group’s Executive Leadership Program. In addition to honing his skills in land use, long-range planning, code writing, Board/Commission management, stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental affairs and organizational leadership, Christopher has experience representing his employer and profession before State Legislative Committees.

Christopher is married to Denise Looney and they have two kiddos:  Annie and Bradlee.  When they are not tubing, hiking or camping, Christopher likes to participate in community theatre where comedy is his specialty. While he has been away from barbershop chorus singing for a few years, he anxiously wants to warm his vocal chords up again. And, as an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow, he looks forward to the opportunity to get his kids involved in Scouting.