Town of Chapel Hill header
File #: [23-0039]    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Discussion Item Status: Filed
File created: 1/9/2023 In control: Town Council
On agenda: 1/18/2023 Final action: 1/18/2023
Title: Update on Planning Systems Evaluation.
Attachments: 1. Draft Consultant Presentation, 2. Consultant Presentation
Related files: [22-0659], [22-0913], [22-0884], [23-0327], [23-0284], [23-0410]

 

 

title

Update on Planning Systems Evaluation.

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Staff:

Department:

Chris Blue, Interim Town Manager

Manager’s Office

Dwight Bassett, Director of Economic Development and Parking Services

 

Mary Jane Nirdlinger, Interim Planning Director/Deputy Town Manager

 

Jennifer Keesmaat

The Keesmaat Group

 

Overview: In September 2022, the Council engaged The Keesmaat Group <https://chapelhill.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5838676&GUID=11A58A75-A260-45D2-AA61-15129A92E7D2&Options=&Search=> to conduct a Planning Systems Evaluation to achieve better outcomes in our planning processes and land use decisions.

 

The overall purpose of this assessment is to improve the efficiency and outcomes in all aspects of land use planning and project review by learning lessons from our past and considering best practices being used in other communities.

 

The general approach for the proposed process review is to conduct interviews, evaluate key projects and identify lessons learned, clarify drivers for change (i.e. culture, climate, etc.), identify efficiencies and new process options, and ultimately position the Town to change to achieve better outcomes. The consultant is scheduled to meet with advisory board chairs on January 16th.

 

At the Work Session, the Council will receive an update on the overall Planning Systems Evaluation, the Complete Communities Checklist, and a proposed expedited process. The Council will also receive an update on the Longfellow project as a case study for this approach.

 

Recommendation(s):

That the Council receive tonight’s update from Jennifer Keesmaat and provide their feedback on the initial findings and recommendations.

 

 

Fiscal Impact/Resources: There are no fiscal impacts to this update.

 

Where is this item in its process?

 

Attachments:

 

Draft Consultant Presentation

 

 

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The Agenda will reflect the text below and/or the motion text will be used during the meeting.

 

presenter

PRESENTER: Jennifer Keesmaat, The Keesmaat Group

 

The purpose of this item is to provide an update on the Planning Systems Evaluation.