Measuring Planning Department Performance

The city controller in concert with consultant Zucker Systems audited the department of city planning’s case processing activities, reviewing timeframes for 3,000 cases processed. A table of recommendations addresses workflow and structure, guidance and standards, public hearings, use of technology and electronic information, performance reporting, user fees and cost recovery, and longer term initiatives; the report recommends updating procedures and policies, reducing the amount of people on each case, improving the public hearing process, expanding use of technology, updating performance measures, reducing inefficiencies, and replacing vacant staff positions.