Mayor Mike Johnston has appointed Brad Buchanan, the CEO of the National Western Center Authority, as Denver’s interim planning director while a permanent appointee is sought. This decision comes after current planning director Manish Kumar announced his resignation.
Buchanan previously served as the executive director of the Department of Community Planning and Development under former Mayor Michael Hancock from 2014 to 2018. According to Johnston, Buchanan’s familiarity with the department and its team makes him well-suited for the role.
Johnston stated, “His deep expertise in Denver’s permitting and development processes gives me full confidence in his ability to guide CPD forward as we continue overhauling our permitting processes and delivering services to our community.”
While leading the planning department, Buchanan will also maintain his position as CEO of the National Western authority, overseeing a campus undergoing significant expansion.
Kumar’s resignation after just 13 months was attributed to him achieving his goals within the department. City officials are now preparing to search for a permanent replacement for the planning director position.
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