LYNNWOOD, WA (January 13, 2021) - During the Business Meeting of December 14, 2020, the Lynnwood City Council approved the creation of a new City department, Development and Business Services, and approved Mayor Smith's appointment of David Kleitsch as the new Director.
"Director Kleitsch is the right leader, at the right time, to direct the City’s new Development and Business Services Department," stated Mayor Nicola Smith. "His historical knowledge of our City is crucial in understanding how to maneuver through the intricacies of bringing four departments together to work in tandem, and work efficiently towards supporting the success of our City's growth and development. He is collaborative, a good listener and a solution provider, always seeking to find a win/win for our customers and the City. His temperament and professional expertise will continue the momentum that we have achieved with regard to customer service and efficiencies."
The newly formed Development and Business Services (DBS) department is comprised of the functions of Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works Development Engineering, and the Fire Marshal’s Office (South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue).
Director Kleitsch joined the City of Lynnwood in 2001 as the Economic Development Director. Since 2017, the City has been reviewing the organizational management structure, functional processes, and the customer service culture of DBS functions, and Director Kleitsch has been serving as the Economic Development Director and Interim Community Development Director, overseeing this organizational restructuring.
A management consulting firm, Strategica, Inc., was retained in 2019 to evaluate the structure of DBS, formulate a new strategic plan, and improve the automated systems and processes of the various functions. Through this in-depth evaluation, a new DBS department and structure was recommended, and ultimately approved by City Council.
The new DBS Department structure will provide unity of command for all DBS functions, provide accountability for the organization’s strategic goals, facilitate easy communication between staff and customers, and facilitate efficient work processes and transfers of information. The DBS team is committed to excellent customer service and continuous process improvements.
"I truly appreciate the confidence that Mayor Smith and the City Council have placed in me to continue the important work of implementing our new Development and Business Services Department model," stated Director David Kleitsch. "We will continue to focus on seeking out new efficiencies and providing excellent customer service to leverage the anticipated growth and development that we are excepted to see in the coming years. Lynnwood is poised to be a regional model for a vibrant, livable, and equitable community and I'm honored to be a part of this important work."
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