Newport City Council has approved the addition of several key positions within the planning department, aiming to enhance city operations and address pressing community issues. Among the new roles is an assistant planner, which will support the zoning and Historic District Commission (HDC) in managing their administrative workload. This move is expected to allow existing staff to focus more on critical tasks, including the regulation of short-term rentals, which have been a growing concern in the community.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the current staffing levels dedicated to managing noise and nuisance issues related to short-term rental violations. Despite the addition of two employees to the planning department in the fiscal year 2024, there has been no increase in zoning officers to specifically tackle these violations. The council discussed the need for more resources in this area, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by short-term rentals.

In addition to the assistant planner, the council also approved the hiring of a grant writer and a resilience assistant. These positions are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the city’s planning capabilities and improve its response to community needs. The assistant planner role, in particular, is seen as crucial for alleviating the administrative burdens faced by the planning and zoning department, enabling staff to engage more effectively with the community.

The council's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing city services and addressing the complexities of urban management in Newport. As these new positions are filled, residents can expect a more proactive approach to zoning issues and improved oversight of short-term rental operations.