Permit Entitlement Blue Ribbon Task Force

The County Executive’s Office is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to serve as a facilitator to convene, support, and lead a newly established ad hoc Permit Entitlement Blue Ribbon Task Force. The selected contractor will guide the task force through a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the County’s Planning and Building Department and the permit entitlement process. The ultimate objective of this initiative is to identify operational shortcomings and constraints, evaluate customer experience, and develop “S.M.A.R.T.” goals paired with Lean Process Improvements to maximize operational efficiency, reduce the amount it time it takes for permit issuance, and revolutionize departmental service delivery.

The County Planning and Building Department prepares, administers, and enforces land use plans and development regulations that protect public health and safety, preserve agricultural and environmental resources, address housing and transportation needs, and create healthy and prosperous communities.

As part of this mission, the Planning and Building Department manages the County’s permit entitlement and construction review processes to ensure all property development in the unincorporated areas of the County meet applicable land use, building, health, safety, and environmental standards. This complex ecosystem involves multiple core business workflows, including permit application intake and assignment, application processing, plan review, applicant communication, and inspections. The permit entitlement process also often requires coordinated reviews and approvals from other County departments and external permitting jurisdictions, such as local fire, water, and sewer districts. Because of the many agencies and complex processes involved, operational alignment and efficiency are critical.

To enhance operational efficiency, modernize workflows, reduce permit entitlement duration, and improve customer experience, the County Executive’s Office is establishing a Permit Entitlement Blue Ribbon Task Force. Balanced geographically with members representing the Coastside and the Bayside areas (as defined in the Scope of Work), the taskforce will consist of key community stakeholders who regularly interact with the County’s permitting systems, including contractors, developers, business owners, environmentalists, residents, and architects.

The County requires an expert external facilitator who is well-versed in organizational optimization, government operations, conducting SWOT analyses, developing S.M.A.R.T. goals, and leading Lean process improvements to convene and lead this taskforce, in close collaboration with County staff.