The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has given the green light to over 50 suggestions from citizen task forces, looking to ramp up customer service within the Department of Transportation and Flood Control District. These changes come, after numerous discussions with stakeholders who brought a variety of industry expertise to the table. "Balancing safety and efficiency in government work can be a challenge, and that’s why we wanted outside stakeholders to help us understand what the County can do better," Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers told Maricopa County News.
The report emphasized making the bureaucratic experience smoother for the public by cutting the red tape in permitting processes and improving agency cooperation. Additionally, it anticipates launching a one-stop online permitting portal, Permit Center, this June. "These citizen committees really delivered, giving us more than 50 ways to improve service in the areas of Transportation and Flood Control. Today the Board told staff, we love it, now let’s get it done," added Sellers.
Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin also pitched in with a nod to the 37 stakeholders who dissected the current permitting system to chalk out strategies to diminish unnecessary reviews and elucidate the standards. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of the stakeholders who participated in this process, from cities and towns to industry professionals," Galvin acknowledged in a statement. He believes these upgrades will enhance Maricopa County's regulatory framework, to the benefit of the community's safety and economic growth.
Looking back, Supervisor Clint Hickman recalled the strides made since the county's first task force in 2014. Then as, now the county is determined to prune outdated regulations to foster an environment conducive to growth. "I was new to the Board in 2014 when we had the first regulatory reform task force, and I saw first-hand how getting so many stakeholders to the table can make a real difference," Hickman reminisced. The county staff is now set to tackle the implementation phase, with all improvements slated for completion by fall of 2024.
