After a recent audit revealed that long-time problems that have plagued the city's planning division, local leaders are taking action to remedy the situation.
"Salt Lake City leaders are moving quickly to shepherd the city's planning division out of its dysfunctional state, including making the money available to do the job.
Earlier this week, the Salt Lake City Council approved Mayor Ralph Becker's budget amendment requests for three new full-time employees in the planning division, as well as new electronic planning and review software.
The staff increases were listed as major recommendations in an audit of the planning division by management consultant company Citygate Associates. It was released earlier this month. The report labeled the city's planning processes "dysfunctional" and said that a "cultural change" was needed to remedy the problems.
"This is in direct response to the audit," David Everitt, Becker's chief of staff, said of the new planning positions.
The three full-time employees will assist with the city's new One-Stop-Shop Buzz Center. Also a recommendation of the audit, the Buzz Center is designed to provide more efficient and convenient service by allowing residents to address all of their planning and zoning needs in one place."
FULL STORY: Salt Lake OKs funds to upgrade planning
Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities
Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.
Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023
The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.
All We Want for the Holidays is…
Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions