What We Need To Do to Promote Standards for Quality Growth

In order to establish and maintain an ethical, functioning and goal oriented administration of growth in Apple Valley, we must review and revise the administrative structure in order to eliminate conflicts of interest.  

In the current administrative structure, the Land Planning Department reports to the Economic Development Department. This creates a conflict of interest which can result in unethical situations. The Economic Development Department is a revenue enhancement department.  It is responsible for seeking out and promoting business development and granting applications that will benefit the town financially.

The Economic Development Department is a revenue enhancement department.  It is responsible for seeking out and promoting business development and granting applications that will benefit the town financially.  The Land Planning Department is a regulatory department.  Its responsibility is to review proposed development for compliance with the town development standards and the California Environmental Quality Act.

The Economic Development Department and the Land Planning Department must be separated.  Each department should be have equal power and authority to report to the Planning Commission and the Town Council.