TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Planning and Community Development Jason Lynch (Interim Co-Director ) 425-556-2483
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Executive Lisa Maher Asst. Chief Operating Officer Public Works Chris Stenger Interim Director Planning and Community Development Seraphie Allen Interim Co-Director Fire Adrian Sheppard
Chief
Finance Kelley Cochran Director Executive Malisa Files Chief Operating Officer
TITLE:
title
Creation of a New Department to Support Development Service Functions
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Through 2025, staff worked with the Matrix Consulting Group on development services process improvement. The report was finalized in November 2025 and cited key challenges in the City’s development review function, such as unclear roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures, limitations in digital permitting, a disconnect between applicant and process, and, lack of automation. To tackle these challenges, the consultant outlined over 70 recommendations from low priority to high priority.
Based on the Matrix report, staff recommend creating a new department dedicated to development review services. The attachments to this memo outline the goals and structure of the proposed new department and the reorganization that will occur in the existing departments.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
Required:
N/A
Council Request:
N/A
Other Key Facts:
Matrix Development Services Process Improvement Report; SB 2059 Timelines for Development Review Processes
OUTCOMES:
With the help of Matrix Consulting, the City conducted a performance assessment of development services. The goals of the assessment included:
Ensure development services practices were efficient
Functions were properly resourced
Technology w...
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