CityGate report urges staffing, tech and organizational changes for Hemet development review

City Gate Associates told the Hemet City Council on Aug. 12 that the city’s development review system is “systemically challenged” and outlined 47 actionable recommendations to address understaffing, outdated technology, and organizational misalignment.

The presentation, led by CityGate project manager Lisa Schafer, summarized eight themes from the study: fiscal constraints, staffing, organizational structure, communication and customer service, technology implementation, leadership and training, and policy. Schafer said the firm’s review included on-site interviews with 11 city staff and input from residents and developers.

“The city benefits from a dedicated professional staff who consistently demonstrate integrity, commitment, and resilience,” Schafer said. “This solid foundation positions the organization well to support and sustain future improvements.”

Why it matters: CityGate recommended near-term changes that would affect city budgeting and operations. The study said Hemet’s Measure U sales tax generates about $16 million annually, and that roughly 79% of Measure U revenue is committed to police and fire—leaving other departments with about 21% of the city’s discretionary Measure U income. CityGate recommended several revenue and organizational options, including a fee study, possible partial reallocation of future Measure U growth, and shifting some…