Department of Doing

Yes, the name of our department is different, some might say, unusual. We are okay with that, because the name was given to us by a citizen committee that used design thinking to envision how Planning and Building could really serve the needs of our citizens.

By focusing on the needs of citizens, not staff or regulatory documents, we are making others successful. Our two divisions are re-examining everything we do to create a seamless experience for our citizens. Our team of teams approach facilitates a cooperative approach to helping citizens start or grow a business, build a home, or engage with their community.

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Affordable Housing Open House Events

The City of Gainesville's Department of Doing and the Housing & Community Development Division are hosting a series of 4 open house events to discuss the ways the City is trying to address the issue of housing affordability. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with staff to discuss the proposed GNV RISE Plan designed to encourage the creation of more affordable housing in the City. The meeting dates and times are shown below:

Gainesville RISE Affordable Housing Plan Elements:

Comprehensive Plan proposed changes

Accessory Dwelling Unit draft language

Amended definitions of residential buildings 

GNV RISE subdivision proposal and design standards

Counseling Services Draft Ordinance

A copy of the draft ordinance is can be found here. The ordinance was drafted at direction of the City Commission to respond to neighborhood concerns regarding the siting of treatment centers offering counseling for sexual offenders. The City Commission will consider the draft ordinance at their October 4th meeting at 5:30 pm. If approved, the final hearing will be scheduled for the October 18th meeting. Comments for the Commission's consideration should be directed to the City Clerk's office.

Phone: 352-334-5015

Fax: 352-334-2036

clerks@cityofgainesville.org

 

Address:
P.O. Box 490
Station 19
32627-0490

Shout Out at Gainesville Real Estate Forum

At the February 2018 Gainesville Real Estate Forum, the City of Gainesville received praise for the creation of the Department of Doing and for the "phenomenal" things we're doing to incentivize development.

State of City Address Highlights Department of Doing

City Manager, Anthony Lyons, highlighted achievements of the Department of Doing in helping Gainesville become the Next American City during the 2018 State of the City Address.

Recognized in Washington Post

The Washington Post recognized the Department of Doing's efforts to improve government processes in their article about Government's state of technology.

"Welcome to City Possible"

The Department of Doing was recognized in an article in The Atlantic and on Channel 20 news about our innovative approach to citizen-centered design.

Winner of Seven City Employee Recognition Awards

Community Relations: Historic Preservation Team
Community Service: The Standard Closeout Team
Innovation: Urban Standards Development Team 
Innovation: Virtual Inspections Team
Leadership: Keifer Calkins, Chief Inspector 
General Excellence: Land Development Code Team
General Excellence: Thomas Center B Redesign Team

GNV Next - Department of Doing

On GNV Next's Episode 2, Wendy Thomas, Director of Department of Doing, and Commissioner Harvey Budd share a little of what we "do."

Thomas Center B Redesign

On June 13, 2017, the City of Gainesville held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovation of the Historic Thomas Center B building. The renovation is part of the city's Citizen Centered Initiative, with the goal of creating a great customer service experience from the moment citizens walk through the door.

 

Department of Doing

Department Head:
Wendy Thomas
Contact:
Phone: 352-334-5023
Fax: 352-334-3259
Address:
P.O. Box 490
Station 12
32627-0490
Social:

Monday - Friday

7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: 

Thomas Center City Offices (B)

306 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

Building Division - Rooms 107 - 126

Planning Division - Rooms 201 - 230

 
© 2018, City of Gainesville, Florida. All rights reserved.