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By City of Lynnwood | Press Release

LYNNWOOD, WA (January 13, 2021) – During the Business Meeting of December 14, 2020, the Lynnwood City Council approved the creation of a new City department, Development and Business Services, and approved Mayor Smith’s appointment of David Kleitsch as the new Director. 

“Director Kleitsch is the right leader, at the right time, to direct the City’s new Development and Business Services Department,” stated Mayor Nicola Smith. “His historical knowledge of our City is crucial in understanding how to maneuver through the intricacies of bringing four departments together to work in tandem, and work efficiently towards supporting the success of our City’s growth and development. He is collaborative, a good listener and a solution provider, always seeking to find a win/win for our customers and the City. His temperament and professional expertise will continue the momentum that we have achieved with regard to customer service and efficiencies.”

The newly formed Development and Business Services (DBS) department is comprised of the functions of Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works Development Engineering, and the Fire Marshal’s Office (South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue).

Director Kleitsch joined the City of Lynnwood in 2001 as the Economic Development Director. Since 2017, the City has been reviewing the organizational management structure, functional processes, and the customer service culture of DBS functions, and Director Kleitsch has been serving as the Economic Development Director and Interim Community Development Director, overseeing this organizational restructuring.

A management consulting firm, Strategica, Inc., was retained in 2019 to evaluate the structure of DBS, formulate a new strategic plan, and improve the automated systems and processes of the various functions. Through this in-depth evaluation, a new DBS department and structure was recommended, and ultimately approved by City Council.

The new DBS Department structure will provide unity of command for all DBS functions, provide accountability for the organization’s strategic goals, facilitate easy communication between staff and customers, and facilitate efficient work processes and transfers of information. The DBS team is committed to excellent customer service and continuous process improvements. 

“I truly appreciate the confidence that Mayor Smith and the City Council have placed in me to continue the important work of implementing our new Development and Business Services Department model,” stated Director David Kleitsch. “We will continue to focus on seeking out new efficiencies and providing excellent customer service to leverage the anticipated growth and development that we are excepted to see in the coming years. Lynnwood is poised to be a regional model for a vibrant, livable, and equitable community and I’m honored to be a part of this important work.

Development and Business Services Mission:  Through outstanding public service, proactive planning, and strong partnerships, we foster development of a vibrant community where people and businesses thrive.

Development and Business Services Strategic Plan:

1. Creative a positive culture for applicants
2. Build systems, processes and codes to work smarter and more efficiently
3. Develop staff expertise and a culture to address Lynnwood’s future growth
4. Enhance quality of life through implementing the Lynnwood Comprehensive Plan
5. Attract businesses and development partner to succeed in Lynnwood

Contact Development and Business Services:

• www.LynnwoodWA.gov/DBS 
• Email: Permits@LynnwoodWA.gov
• Phone: 425-670-5400
• Online Permitting Portal: https://DBS.LynnwoodWa.gov
• We are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we are located at 20816 44th Ave W, Ste 230  Lynnwood, WA  98036

About Director David Kleitsch:
Director Kleitsch has worked in economic development for city government since 1979, and has been with Lynnwood since 2001. He has been engaged in major Lynnwood projects including: Lynnwood City Center, Lynnwood Convention Center, Sound Transit ST2 Lynnwood Link Extension and ST3, Alderwood mall expansion, and Highway 99 Revitalization Strategies.

David’s focus is to advance Lynnwood’s community vision through the collaborative engagement of stakeholders to achieve shared goals. He has a Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from the University of Washington, a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Ohio State University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from San Jose State University. Prior to returning to Washington state; he worked for Missoula, Montana; Chandler, Arizona; and San Jose and Ventura, California. David has also served as both the Legislative Chair and Chair of the Washington Economic Development Association.

Author: Mario Lotmore