In a move to overhaul Baltimore's development processes, Mayor Brandon M. Scott has appointed Deputy Mayor Justin Williams as the city's first "Permit Czar," a role to be formally known as the Director of Permitting and Development Services. According to a press release from the City of Baltimore Mayor's Office, Williams is also to act as the interim director of the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals following the departure of Rebecca Witt.
"I am grateful that Deputy Mayor Justin Williams will be bringing his years of public and private experience to the role of Director of Permitting and Development Services and interim director of Baltimore City Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals," Mayor Scott said. The new position, part of the city's Bmore FAST initiative, aims to effectively coordinate all development-related approvals and processes, and to swiftly identify and eliminate bottlenecks. The initiative seeks to make development more efficient, particularly as the city embarks on a historic $3 billion investment to tackle vacant homes over the next 15 years. Williams, who has a background spanning both public service and private practice, brings to the table an expertise considered crucial for this large-scale revitalization effort.
The Bmore FAST initiative, an acronym for Facilitating Approvals and Streamlining Timelines, comprises over 30 recommendations designed to modernize city development. As outlined in the comprehensive Bmore FAST report that Williams helped draft, these reforms include the implementation of enhanced digital tools, expanded language access, streamlined review procedures, and improved inter-agency coordination.
Baltimore's new "Permit Czar" also holds a history of civic engagement, having served as Vice Chair of the Maryland State Board of Elections and the Maryland Stadium Authority before his appointment by Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council. With this appointment, Williams is expected to play a crucial role in implementing the extensive reforms and coordination efforts necessitated by the city's ambitious development and revitalization plans.
