BRTF Issue	Anticipated Outcomes	Status
Development  Process
§ Process needs to be more transparent to the public	§ Create a City Development Process website with links to each step in the process. § Create a flow chart for specific project types: new development, infill development commercial redevelopment § Centrally locate information from related department websites § Create dedicated site for development process & FAQs	§ Exploring outsourcing of this service § See above § See above § See above
§ Process and access needs to be more definable for the public	§ Designate staff within core departments that work with development and permitting as BusinessLink contacts – CMO, Planning, NR, PW, Utilities § Institutionalize this concept via regular meetings of the BusinessLink committee as a work group to review status of development projects and “hot spots” § Establish link on website identifying BusinessLink contacts and basic info, i.e. “Locating expanding, or building your small business in Lawrence”	§ Staff designated; need to incorporate contact info into website display § Meeting schedule of Businesslink has been established § Tied to outsourcing of this service
Public Education/Expectations
§ Outreach programs	§ Provide training sessions to development community and interested parties on a semi-annual basis; topics to include (besides general overview of development process) new or revised policies, codes, and “best practices” used by other communities	§ Develop calendar and agenda for future with input from development community
§ Understanding the process	§ Enhance website with tracking abilities to use website to retrieve information on specific projects	§ Tied to outsourcing of this service
Communication
§ Improve communication between staff and the applicant	§ Implement recommendations from Management Team’s Customer Service Subcommittee – adopt Customer Service Standards § Assign survey subcommittee of Management Team to develop survey process to gain feedback from recently processed applications § Utilize pre-application meeting with applicant to define checklist of “steps” necessary to complete to ensure a smooth process § Pre-application meeting should be with BusinessLink committee for large development projects § Communicate early and continuously with applicant on any “hot spot” issues via BusinessLink committee	§ On Management Team calendar for 5/25 mtg. § To be discussed at future Management Team mtg. § Topic for outreach session with developers § Can be institutionalized within process § Can be institutionalized within process
Consistency in Implementation
§ Internal coordination between development review departments	§ Utilize BusinessLink concept to maintain consistency and predictability throughout the organization re: development process and interpretations § Research a trackable program for review of each development project submittal; begin with internal (staff) tracking component followed by external (web based) process	§ Monthly meetings of BusinessLink committee established § Assign subcommittee of Management Team to research and report