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Council reads ordinance to create standalone Housing Division and renames Community Development to Planning and Development Services

6443740 · October 22, 2025

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Summary

Council read for the first time an ordinance creating a separate Housing Division and renaming the Community Development Division to Planning and Development Services; the item follows budget discussions and staffing reorganizations and will return for final adoption.

Flagstaff City Council on Oct. 21 read an ordinance by title to create a standalone Housing Division and to rename the Community Development Division as the Planning and Development Services (PDS) Division. Council completed the ordinance’s first reading and will consider final adoption at a subsequent meeting.

Deputy City Manager Joanne Keen and newly appointed Planning and Development Services Director Michelle McNulty described the reorganization as a priority that arose during the recent budget process. McNulty said the new structure will add capacity to intake, permitting and plan review, enable clearer training and user guidance for both internal staff and external clients, and improve coordination between planning, building and real‑estate services and the housing team.

Why it matters

Staff said the separation will allow the city to stand up a dedicated Housing Division in December, focus Planning and Development Services on permitting and planning operations, and strengthen collaboration between housing and planning for project delivery. McNulty said PDS will continue to coordinate closely with housing staff to move projects and code changes forward.

Council action and next steps

Council completed the ordinance reading by title and indicated support. Final adoption will occur at a later meeting after the ordinance completes the required notice and procedural steps. Staff said the housing division is expected to be in place in December and that more details will be provided at a PDS update to council in November.

Ending

Council members expressed support for the reorganization and welcomed Michelle McNulty as the planning and development services director.