Denver planning director steps down after 13 months in job
The executive director of Denver s Department of Public Planning and Evolution is stepping down after only months in the job saying his mission is now complete Manish Kumar cited plans for the new Denver Permitting Office decreases in permitting times and a reorganization of the department as proof of that success in a social media post about his departure This journey has been fast focused and incredibly fulfilling he wrote As I prepare for my next chapter I leave with immense gratitude and lasting admiration He didn t mention any other reason for his resignation or what role he might take on next In an email to CPD staff last week Mayor Mike Johnston who appointed Kumar mentioned the city will announce an interim executive director this week and then conduct a search for his permanent replacement Kumar s last day is Friday Manish s leadership has helped lay a strong foundation for the work ahead and we thank him for his provision Johnston s email disclosed Developers have long cited Denver s permitting process as overly burdensome making it challenging to build new commercial and residential properties In April Johnston and Kumar broadcasted the Denver Permitting Office initiative with the intention of streamlining that process Related Articles Layoffs furloughs coming for Denver employees amid budget situation mayor says Denver says if it can t process construction permits in roughly days the city will refund developers fees Denver Mayor Mike Johnston still hasn t named leaders for several critical posts from sheriff to city planning The office has a goal of processing all applications in about six months Kumar s departure comes as Denver faces a budget situation that prompted city leadership to back down from an effort to give raises to Johnston s appointees Under the proposal which representatives have postponed until the fall Kumar would have gotten a raise bringing his salary to about Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter The Spot
