Last month, the planning department of the City of San Diego was folded into the Development Services Department. Locals worry the shift in perspective will endanger plans being developed in a dozen different neighborhoods.
Mayor Jerry Sanders made the downgrade last month, and many city officials are concerned that the priorities of Development Services will not jibe with the goals of the planners.
Roger Showley reports:
"What's reduced planning as a priority is the dire city budget, which faces tens of millions of dollars in revenue shortfalls. Now, officials have to make choices - fund community plans or police on the beat, compose long-range visions or keep libraries and recreation centers open.
Sanders hopes to save at least $1 million by closing the Planning Department and lopping off a few executives and support personnel."
FULL STORY: Has San Diego’s Planning Department Been Gutted?
Mixed Feelings As San Diego Dissolves Planning Department
As the San Diego Planning Department folds into another department to save city money, locals and former officials grapple with whether it was the right move and how the city could change as a result.
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San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
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Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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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.
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