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Three governments—Bellingham,Snohomish and Vancouver--had conducted <br /> process improvement projects to streamline parts of their permitting processes. <br /> However,none of the audited governments had processes in place to regularly <br /> review permit processing times to put changes in place and measure results in each <br /> year of the audit period.When asked why,one manager said that staff focus had <br /> shifted to other priorities,such as pandemic response and implementing new IT <br /> systems.Managers from Kittitas said the county had made process improvements. <br /> However,we did not see documented evidence showing the efforts undertaken. <br /> Two other governments addressed this leading practice after the period of our <br /> review.In early 2023,Richland received the report from its 2022 consulting <br /> engagement,so any resulting changes it decides to make fall outside our review <br /> period. Shoreline held a two-day workshop in May 2023 to review its permitting <br /> processes to identify areas for future improvements. <br /> Given the value that analyzing permit review processes,performance and costs <br /> could offer,the State Auditor's Office has arranged for its Center for Government <br /> Innovation to offer all local governments--not only those involved in this audit <br /> -a free,voluntary webinar in 2024.This webinar will focus on the principles and <br /> practices involved in continuous improvement.By gaining a better understanding <br /> of continuous improvement,attendees will be able to make better decisions about <br /> how using its techniques can further improve their permit review process. <br /> Growth Management Act Audit Results 31 <br />