San Diego Folds Planning Department into Development Department

To save $1 million a year, the mayor is folding the Planning Department into the department in charge of processing building permits.

1 minute read

April 29, 2011, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Adrian Florido reports that the new department will retain the name "Development Services Department", even though it will also be responsible for city planning. The planning director has been let go, and the development director will take over those responsbilities.

Florido writes:

"The idea [...] has raised concerns among current and former planning officials that, as the city's budget increasingly focuses on simply preserving core services, planning for the city's future is being left behind..."

Florido compares the mission statements for the two previously separated departments, emphasizing how their missions differ.

Thanks to Grant Barrett

FULL STORY: City Leaves Planning Behind, at Least in Name

Thursday, April 28, 2011 in Voice of San Diego

Urban Development California Planning Urban Development

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.