The Bureau of Development Services (BDS) is launching a strategic planning process to culminate in a 5-Year Strategic Plan. This will be the bureau’s first comprehensive strategic planning process since 2003, and will set BDS’s strategic direction and goals for the next several years.

The primary impetus for the Strategic Plan is a desire to move the organization to the next level of performance by building on BDS’s recent successes, such as:

• Creating non-traditional programs and services targeted to specific customer needs, such as the Facility Permit Program, Major Projects Group and the Field Issuance Remodel program.
• Expanding BDS’s outreach to Portland’s diverse community through participation in a wide variety of community and industry events.
• Creating a customer service culture through comprehensive customer service training for all staff.
• Using technology to meet customer needs through online permitting (for trade permits) and the mobile office project.
• Creating a comprehensive website to increase access and availability of bureau information and services.
• Building successful working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including industry, government agencies, and community groups.

Other motivations for engaging in a strategic planning process include:

• The growth in the size and complexity of the bureau and its work over the last several years
• The need to keep pace with customers' changing needs and development processes.
• Periodically reassessing the bureau’s direction and goals is good for the organization’s overall health and effectiveness.

Guiding Principles

The bureau’s approach approach to this planning process is directed by two key principles:

1. Create a relevant, practical plan – The ultimate goal is to create a living, relevant plan that is fully integrated with the bureau’s mission, goals, and budget. BDS needs a plan that is practical and impacts the way the bureau does its daily work.

2. Encourage broad participation - Building and implementing a successful strategic plan requires involvement from not only BDS staff, but also the bureau’s stakeholders and other interested parties. The bureau will make every effort to involve all interested parties in the planning process.