Development Services Advisory Commission delivers annual report; staff and board praise outreach and process‑improvement work

At the start of the work session the Development Services Advisory Commission delivered its annual report to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Staff liaison described the commission as an 11‑member body of design and development professionals charged with analyzing processes and making recommendations to staff and the board. Outgoing chair Matt Bryant summarized the commission’s recent focus on the development customer survey results, improving customer feedback mechanisms and enhancing GIS mapping to show project status to the public.

Bryant told the board he was proud of the commission’s communication with staff and said the panel focused this year on ways to improve predictability, consistency and timing in development review. He singled out efforts to increase survey responses via QR codes and other mechanisms and to make project information more accessible. "We've been really focusing on the results of the development... customer survey results, and what we can do to make that experience better for for developers and design professionals," Bryant said.

Board members thanked the commission and emphasized that the commission evaluates issues both for large developments and for homeowners seeking routine permits — from pools to minor site work — noting the commission’s role in ironing out process friction for all applicants. Staff noted the commission meets monthly (first Tuesday at 8 a.m.) and that the board had recently approved three new members to replace outgoing members.