Jacqueline Anciano, director of the Department of Planning and Development, and deputy directors told the committee on Nov. 6 that the department has begun implementing recommendations from an internal audit to modernize permitting and related IT systems.

Anciano said the department launched Microsoft Bookings on Oct. 27 to allow applicants to schedule appointments for land-use submittals as an initial milestone. The department plans to extend appointment requirements to development services and code-enforcement workflows in January 2026. Full implementation of the permitting transformation is expected to span calendar years 2026 and 2027.

Staff said they will deploy short "vignettes" and recordings to help the public navigate new processes, and that a customer-survey instrument will be sent after permits are issued so the department can measure user experience while it is fresh. The department has engaged in both virtual and in-person outreach to review the process with stakeholders.

The committee received the report by voice vote. No public comments were made on this item.