In a recent press release, L.A. Director of Planning Michael LoGrande announced that he is reorganizing their reduced staff to "focus on and master critical functions."
Accompanying the press release (and downloadable here) is a report titled Blueprint 2010-11, which details "eight strategic changes that will enable us to do more with less."
One of the strategies is a "One Project, One Planner" policy:
"Each project, whether it involves one or several different types of cases, (e.g. Zoning Administrator cases, Subdivision cases) will have a single Project Planner throughout its review and determination. This Project Planner will be able to field all planning-related questions about that particular project. Questions about the environmental review of a project can also be directed to the same point of contact, as Project Planners will also conduct or coordinate the environmental analysis for the projects they are reviewing. This shift towards a "one project, one planner" approach will enable the Department to provide more accessible, consistent, and personalized service to the public."
Other strategies include consolidating the long-range planning and historic preservation activities in exclusive departments.
LoGrande's appointment has not been without controversy - you can read previous articles on Planetizen about LoGrande here and here."
FULL STORY: Blueprint 2010-11

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