Taft city planner reflects on 12 years of service and housing element progress

Taft City Council is set to undergo a significant transition as the city prepares to bid farewell to its long-serving city planner, who announced that Thursday will mark his last day in office. After over a decade of dedicated service, the planner reflected on his journey, which began as a contract city planner and evolved into a full-time department head. He expressed gratitude to city officials, colleagues, and past council members for their support throughout his tenure.

During the meeting, the planner highlighted key achievements in the planning and building departments, including improvements in project management and departmental efficiencies. He also acknowledged the contributions of the planning commission, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have shaped Taft's development.

In addition to his farewell, the planner provided an update on the city's housing element, noting the progress made through multiple drafts submitted to the state's housing department. The third draft was recently submitted, and the city is nearing compliance with state standards. This ongoing work is crucial for addressing housing needs in the community.

As Taft prepares for this leadership change, the city council's commitment to advancing housing initiatives remains a priority, ensuring that the community's growth continues in a structured and compliant manner. The council looks forward to building on the foundation laid by the outgoing planner as they navigate future developments.