The executive director of Denver’s Department of Community Planning and Development is stepping down after only 13 months in the job, saying his “mission is now complete.”
Manish Kumar cited plans for the new Denver Permitting Office, decreases in permitting times and a reorganization of the department as proof of that success in a social media post about his departure.
“This journey has been fast, focused, and incredibly fulfilling,” he wrote. “As I prepare for my next chapter, I leave with immense gratitude and lasting admiration.”
He didn’t mention any other reason for his resignation or what role he might take on next. In an email to CPD staff last week, Mayor Mike Johnston, who appointed Kumar, said the city will announce an interim executive director this week and then conduct a search for his permanent replacement. Kumar’s last day is Friday.
“Manish’s leadership has helped lay a strong foundation for the work ahead, and we thank him for his service,” Johnston’s email said.
Developers have long cited Denver’s permitting process as overly burdensome, making it difficult to build new commercial and residential properties. In April, Johnston and Kumar announced the Denver Permitting Office initiative with the intention of streamlining that process.
The office has a goal of processing all applications in about six months.
Kumar’s departure comes as Denver faces a budget crisis that prompted city leadership to back down from an effort to give raises to Johnston’s appointees. Under the proposal, which officials have postponed until the fall, Kumar would have gotten a 17% raise, bringing his salary to about $216,000.
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