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'- rr <br /> permit submittals that may not have been reflected in the report.Bellingham city departments continually <br /> make small improvements in our processes that may not be officially documented but are none the less <br /> being implemented. <br /> Prior to being notified of the audit,the City identified the need to contract with outside companies to help <br /> with permit volume and has since been utilizing this strategy to help with review timelines (Report <br /> Recommendation). Additionally, we have hired a Permit System Business Analyst to help identify <br /> opportunities to increase effectiveness in our permitting processes and added a new plans examiner <br /> position to help speed the review process. The analyst has already made recommendations, such as <br /> mapping processes,creating reports to track performance and creating standard operating processes to <br /> ensure consistent, reliable and accurate use of permit tracking software (Report Recommendation).A <br /> primary future role of the analyst will be to review our current permitting software to ensure we meet <br /> the updated permit performance reporting requirements beginning in 2025(Report Recommendation). <br /> We appreciate the information provided in the Report, and if not already, plan on implementing the <br /> recommendations outlined.We also intend to take advantage of the continuous improvement workshop <br /> offered by the Auditor's Office in 2024. <br /> The city of Bellingham understands the importance of permitting in relation to needed housing production <br /> and is dedicated to finding strategies and procedures to continually improve our land use review process. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Blake Lyon f Kurt Nabbefeld l <br /> Planning and Community Development Director Development Services Manager <br /> I <br /> Cc: Carolyn Cato,Senior Performance Auditor <br /> James Geluso,Performance Auditor <br /> Page 2 of1 <br /> Growth Management Act — Agency Response � �IU <br />