Matthew “Matt” Welch is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in urban planning, economic development, and legal counsel. Currently serving as the Senior Policy Advisor for the Planning & Economic Development Portfolio for the City of Richmond, Virginia, Matt leads the strategic planning, development, and implementation of significant economic development and infrastructure projects.

In his role, Matt heads the Real Estate Strategies Office, managing a portfolio of over 800 parcels of real estate assets. They have successfully conveyed surplus City-owned properties for transformative mixed-use developments and affordable housing, ensuring long-term value creation for the City and its taxpayers. Their expertise extends to drafting and negotiating complex performance agreements, handling high-stakes problem resolution, and analyzing and interpreting legislation and policies to foster community development and housing initiatives.

Before his current position, Matt served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City Attorney’s Office in Richmond from May 2011 to May 2017. In this capacity, he provided legal counsel on real estate, economic and community development, procurement, and zoning matters. He played a pivotal role in various high-profile projects, including the Bus Rapid Transit Project for the Greater Richmond Transit Authority and the acquisition of significant real estate properties for public use.

Matt’s early career includes experience as a Law Clerk at Greehan, Taves, Pandak & Stoner and a Post-Graduate Fellow at the City of Virginia Beach, where he honed his skills in local government law, litigation, and policy development.

Matt Welch holds a Juris Doctor from William & Mary School of Law, where he was a Law Foundation Scholar and an Articles Editor for the William and Mary Business Law Review. Matt earned their B.A. in History, magna cum laude, from Old Dominion University and is a member of Phi Alpha Theta (History Honors Society). Matt was admitted to the Virginia Bar in November 2010. With a robust background in legal and policy advising, coupled with a strategic vision for economic and community development, Matt will continue to drive impactful projects and initiatives that enhance the City of Richmond’s growth and prosperity as the Acting Director of Economic Development.