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Falls Church has promoted one of its own to head the city’s newly formed Department of Code Administration.

Akida Rouzi, who has served as the city’s Zoning Administrator since 2023, will now oversee the entire code administration operation. Her appointment was announced Tuesday.

Rouzi’s roots in Falls Church government run deep. She joined city staff in 2013 as a Development Specialist and worked her way up through the planning ranks—Senior Planner, Principal Planner, Deputy Zoning Administrator—before taking the helm of the Zoning Division two years ago.

During her tenure, she has guided residents and businesses through tricky development hurdles, refined zoning ordinances for clarity, and served as the go-to staffer for the Board of Zoning Appeals on variances and special use permits.

“Having been part of the Falls Church team for many years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional colleagues and community members to help shape the City’s growth,” Rouzi said. She pledged to modernize services and deliver “responsive, customer-focused code administration and permitting.”

Rouzi holds a Master of Architecture & Urbanism from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Howard University. She also carries three certifications from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials: Certified Zoning Administrator, Certified Zoning Official, and Certified Transportation Manager.

Deputy City Manager Andy Young praised her track record and collaborative style.

“Her experience with the City’s development processes, relationships with staff and stakeholders, and can-do approach to making improvements will all help bring this new team together,” Young said.