University Bridge and autumn colors map it

Photo by bwellsea

  • photo #1
  • photo #2
  • photo #3
  • photo #4
  • photo #5
 
Print this Page  
logo
City of Seattle
Mike McGinn, Mayor
NEWS ADVISORY
SUBJECT: Mayor Nickels Announces New Director for DCLU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
1/9/2003  11:20:00 AM
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:


Mayor Nickels Announces New Director for DCLU
Diane Sugimura chosen to head
planning and development department

SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today announced he has hired Diane Sugimura to direct the city’s Department of Design, Construction and Land Use (DCLU).

"I am delighted to have Diane Sugimura serve in this key leadership position in the city," said Nickels. "Diane understands and supports my vision to remodel DCLU into more of a resource and not a roadblock for business, while protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods."

Sugimura will direct the department responsible for land use and construction codes, housing and zoning enforcement, and urban design. DCLU has also recently acquired long-range physical planning duties, including sub-area planning, staffing the Seattle Planning Commission and responsibility for the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Sugimura has served as DCLU’s acting director since early last year. She was previously DCLU deputy director for code and policy development, housing/zoning enforcement, and community relations.

"I am honored to accept this challenge," said Sugimura. "I’ve enjoyed serving as acting director this past year. DCLU plays an important part in supporting the health and welfare of Seattle - its people, economy and environment. I look forward to continuing the work we’ve begun to improve our permit process and simplify our codes. I also look forward to integrating planning with the rest of the department, and working on Seattle’s long-term planning efforts, such as developing ways to make Seattle’s downtown waterfront, as the Mayor says, the city’s ‘front porch,’" she added.

Nickels praised Sugimura for her work as acting director to make changes he requested to make it easier to do business in Seattle:

  • Reduced wait time to file a permit from 4 weeks to 10 working days
  • Began work to reduce review time for small and simple construction permits from three weeks to 48 hours
  • Began work to reduced land use and construction permit review time by two months

"We’ve still got a lot of work to do, and Diane is just the person to get it done. She’s got what it takes to carry out my vision to streamline processes while protecting health, safety and quality of life of our citizens," said Nickels.

- 30 -

Mayor's Office

Back to News Release Home Page and News Release Search