Wes Gullett releases plan to cut red tape

Calls for same-day permitting; has the support to pass

PHOENIX – Wes Gullett released his “Less Red Tape Means More Jobs” plan this morning, the centerpiece of which is a plan for same-day permitting.






Under Gullett’s plan (attached), a qualified customer can walk into the city and, meeting the requirements, walk away with a permit on the same day. The plan was unveiled at Copper Star Coffee, a local business that has faced significant challenges in obtaining permits in a timely fashion under the city’s current process.


Gullett Cutting Red Tape Plan

The plan is supported by four current council members: City Councilmen Sal DiCiccio, Tom Simplot, Bill Gates and Jim Waring, who all appeared with Gullett at today’s press conference to support his plan.

“The City of Phoenix must be ready to move with agility to help our business and community partners get back to work – not stand in their way,” said Gullett. “Streamlining government, reforming the permitting process and updating city regulations and procedures to move plans through the pipeline will dramatically reduce the time and cost of doing business in Phoenix.”

In addition to same-day permitting, the Gullett plan calls for all city departments to engage in a top to bottom review of all regulations and delete those that are unnecessary; a comment period and sunset review on all regulations; consolidating the Planning and Development Services Departments with the Economic Development Department to allow for more direct and immediate support for small businesses; expanding online services for permitting and business services; establishing a single point of contact for major development projects; updating zoning ordinances; and reducing permitting fees.

“The importance of this plan and what it means for jobs, productivity and business could not be clearer,” Gullett said. “We must lead on these issues and build a foundation on rock – not sand. Otherwise, Phoenix will find itself continuously falling behind other cities that are making reforms to ensure economic development. We cannot afford the status quo.”

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Paid for by Wes Gullett for Phoenix