Burke Deputy County Manager Alan Glines to Retire Feb. 27

After four-and-a-half years helping steer Burke County’s growth and development, Deputy County Manager and Community Development Director Alan Glines will retire Feb. 27, closing out a 29-year public service career marked by behind-the-scenes work that shapes what residents see every day: zoning rules, long-range planning, and the permits that decide what gets built and where.

Glines has also worked as the planning director for the Town of Conover in Catawba County. Before that, he spent a large part of his career in Asheville.

“It’s a weird thing to be thinking like that (about retirement),” Glines said.

County staff said the Community Development Department’s accomplishments under Glines included maintaining and updating the county’s zoning ordinance to keep pace with Burke’s evolving needs and updating the county’s comprehensive plan. These updates support responsible development and encourage investment, staff said, while also addressing the county’s growing need for housing.

Glines also played a key role in transitioning to online permitting, which gave residents another avenue to apply for permits. The change naturally reduced the need for in-person visits and improved efficiency for residents, contractors, and developers.

“With the growth Burke County has experienced, it’s been important to modernize how we deliver services while still keeping community needs front and center,” Glines said.

In his dual role, Glines oversaw building permits, inspections, code enforcement, and long-range planning. He also supported planning and zoning needs for Glen Alpine and Connelly Springs and worked closely with other county departments to support community goals and coordinated growth.

“The good thing about this role is we have great staff here,” Glines said. “It’s a good staff of folks who have their heart in the right place and want to help the residents of Burke County use their land and develop things in a way that are compatible with the community and support their neighbors and their own personal goals.”

The position of Community Development Department Director will be posted under Burke County’s job opportunities soon.