Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Thursday announced a proposal to merge the City’s Planning Department and the Building and Safety Department into a single entity, aimed at improving efficiency and customer service.
The combined department would be called Planning and Development Services and requires approval from the City Council, which is set to hold a public hearing September 22 and vote on the proposal September 29.
Gaylor Baird said the merger stems from a June internal assessment and would expedite reviews, consolidate services, and improve coordination among staff.
“Building better, stronger, and faster development services is an important strategic priority of my administration,” the mayor said. “When local government provides efficient and effective service, we build more homes, support new and existing businesses, grow economic opportunity, and save time and money.”
David Cary, who currently serves as Planning Department Director and interim Building and Safety Director, will lead the new department. Cary said combining the offices would “support the growth we want for our community” while maintaining a strong customer service focus.
Councilmember Sändra Washington and Lancaster County Commissioner Rick Vest joined the announcement in support of the change. Vest called the emphasis on customer service “the type of effort I support and appreciate,” while Washington said the new department will help streamline development services and build public trust.
If approved, the merger would also add an assistant director position, expected to be filled in October.