About two decades ago, the City of Renton, WA, hired a new Economic Development Director, who wisely negotiated the position as answering
directly to the mayor's office, insisting that, to be truly effective, the position could not be buried in the Planning Department. She immediately initiated a "Getting to Yes" program in
all departments and within a year permits were being issued in half the time. Since that refreshing initiative, "Getting to Yes" has become the hallmark of city services for this community of ~85,000.
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Richard Wagner FAIA
Baylis Architects
Bellevue WA
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