Pueblo County Implements Ambassador Program to Streamline Building Permit Process

The Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on August 15, 2025, focusing on updates to the building permit process and the implementation of the ambassador program aimed at improving communication and efficiency within the county's planning and public works departments.

The session began with a presentation on the ambassador program, which assigns staff members to assist applicants throughout the zoning and building permit processes. This initiative aims to proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate. Wally, a program representative, reported that the team has been actively reviewing all Zoning Authorization for Building Permit (ZABP) applications, allowing them to track the status of permits and address any discrepancies. He noted that this approach has already led to faster processing times, with some developers reporting same-day approvals for their applications.

Commissioners expressed their support for the ambassador program, emphasizing the importance of having a personal point of contact for applicants navigating the permitting process. Wally confirmed that the ambassadors are available to assist at any stage, from initial inquiries to more complex issues, and they encourage communication through the OpenGov platform to document interactions.

Following the ambassador program update, Jen Wagner provided insights into the ongoing development of the OpenGov platform, which will streamline the permitting process. Wagner highlighted the flexibility and user-friendliness of the system, which is being tailored to meet the needs of both the county and its residents. She mentioned recent collaborations with the assessor's office to ensure data compatibility and improve overall efficiency.

The discussion also touched on the potential for a joint work session with local metro districts to enhance collaboration and communication as the new processes are rolled out. Commissioners agreed that such a meeting could foster better relationships and streamline operations across different agencies.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving the building permit process through enhanced communication, technology integration, and proactive problem-solving. The next steps include continuing to refine the OpenGov platform and exploring opportunities for further collaboration with local metro districts. The BOCC plans to provide monthly updates on the progress of these initiatives.