Josh White hired as new General Manager, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability (PDS) for City of Vancouver – CityHallWatch

The City of Vancouver has issued a news release today, March 20, 2024, announcing that Josh White has been appointed as the Vancouver’s new General Manager, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability after an extensive recruitment process. This position is sometimes referred to as chief planner. He starts on May 1.
CityHallWatch welcomes Mr. White to the West Coast and wishes the best for him in this new position. This is one of the most important roles in the city government. Citizens and communities are crucial stakeholders in the city, something often overlooked by previous persons in this position. We hope to see an open mind and positive, proactive, and responsive communications with neighbourhoods and community groups. There is much knowledge and wisdom, memory and continuity, at the grassroots level — a point often overlooked by previous chief planners. We hope this new appointment is a dawn of something better in creating, enhancing, and maintaining trust all around for everyone involved.
Info and excerpts from the release follow.
Josh White: “Vancouver is experiencing tremendous growth, and I’m committed to leading the City in managing this growth, as it continues its transformation and standing as one of the world’s most livable, sustainable and inclusive cities… I look forward to leading and collaborating with such a forward-thinking team of staff, stakeholders and partners to tackle the challenges that confront Vancouver, particularly facilitating more housing supply and improving affordability.”
City Manager Paul Mochrie: “Josh has a wealth of experience leading innovative change in the urban planning realm across Canada, and a strong record of responding to the many challenges facing growing cities today… I’m thrilled to have him on board to lead PDS as we continue to implement Council’s agenda as it relates to streamlining land-use permitting, housing delivery, affordability and sustainability in Vancouver.”
Josh White will start at the City on May 1, 2024. In his role as General Manager, White will lead on the overall operation, administration and policy related aspects of the department.
Doug Smith (he/him), who has been Acting General Manager during the recruitment process, will return to the role of Deputy General Manager, PDS.
Matt Shillito (he/him) will continue to serve as Acting Director of Planning, with regulatory and discretionary responsibilities delegated by Council, including overseeing rezoning enquiries and applications and development permits.
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Some previous articles on this role.
Need the chief planner to be from BC, too many BC laws for someone from the outside.

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