Deputy city manager outlines reorganization to elevate housing within Flagstaff city government

Deputy City Manager Joanne Keane told the Housing Commission the city is reorganizing to elevate housing work. "We will be changing the name of community development to planning and development services," Keane said, and "moving housing to report into the city manager's office, and then in 6 months, making housing a division." Keane said the change is intended to give housing greater strategic visibility and resources to advance the city's 10‑year housing plan and declared housing emergency.

Keane said the planned reorganization will house building safety, code compliance, planning and real estate under the renamed Planning and Development Services division. The city will post a Planning & Development Services director position soon; Michelle McNulty is serving as interim community development director. Keane said the city manager and she see an opportunity to "elevate housing in the organization" and provide additional capacity to meet housing goals.

Commissioners responded positively. One commissioner thanked Keane and said elevating housing was a "great strategic vision" to support the 10‑year plan and the housing emergency declaration. Keane said she had updated city council and that recruitment for the director role is expected to begin shortly; staff will invite commission members to meet‑and‑greet opportunities for candidates.

No formal action or vote was required; the announcement was informational. Commissioners asked clarifying questions and staff indicated they would follow up with recruitment materials and continued updates to the commission.