Denver Mayor Mike Johnston taps former planning director to return to job temporarily

As the City and County of Denver prepares to introduce new policy changes within its Permitting Office, leadership is undergoing a significant transition. Brad Buchanan, former head of Denver’s Community Planning and Development under Mayor Michael Hancock, has been appointed as the interim planning director by Mayor Mike Johnston. Buchanan currently serves as the CEO of the National Western Center Authority and will continue in that role while guiding the city’s planning department. His return follows the resignation of planning director Manish Kumar, who stepped down after just 13 months, stating he had completed his intended goals for the department.

Buchanan’s interim appointment comes at a pivotal time as the city moves forward with a major overhaul of its permitting processes. Mayor Johnston highlighted Buchanan’s deep familiarity with the department and praised his expertise in development and permitting as essential to maintaining momentum on service delivery reforms. With his proven leadership and understanding of Denver’s planning landscape, Buchanan is expected to provide continuity and strategic direction while a search is conducted for a permanent appointee. These leadership changes set the stage for a broader transformation in how the city approaches construction permits and urban development—efforts aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the permitting system.

Denver Permit Office Promises 180-Day Approval Times

In tandem with the leadership transition at Denver’s planning department, the city is ushering in a new era of efficiency and accountability with the launch of the Denver Permitting Office (DPO). Rolled out in May under Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration, this bold initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks by enforcing a 180-day permit approval timeline. The policy includes a refund guarantee of up to $10,000 for applicants if the city fails to meet its commitment—signaling a serious shift toward greater transparency and responsiveness in municipal services. While much of the spotlight has focused on the impact for large-scale developers, the new system holds equally transformative potential for residential builders and homeowners.

For those planning additions, remodels, pop tops, or even custom homes, these changes dramatically improve predictability and reduce financial risk. Sustainable Design Build sees this as a significant win for homeowners who want to invest in enhancing their properties without the historic delays tied to permitting. With cross-department coordination improved and the introduction of dedicated “project champions” to guide applicants from submission to approval, the DPO is redefining the residential building experience in Denver. This policy shift—paired with Brad Buchanan’s interim leadership—marks a critical step toward modernizing the city’s planning infrastructure and empowering more Denverites to realize their home renovation and construction goals.

A new Hope for Denver Residential Construction

Crucially, the city’s new permitting policy doesn’t just benefit commercial development—it extends directly to residential construction as well. This marks a turning point for homeowners and builders who have long struggled with Denver’s historically slow permitting system, where average approval times often exceeded 300 days. For companies like Sustainable Design Build, and for the clients they serve, the city’s 180-day deadline backed by financial accountability offers a breath of fresh air. It brings new hope for smoother project timelines, fewer cost overruns, and greater confidence in moving forward with home renovations and custom builds.

The reform promises a more supportive environment for homeowners looking to invest in their properties—whether through additions, remodels, pop tops, or entirely new custom homes. With a clearer path through the permitting process and the assurance of timely approvals, Sustainable Design Build is optimistic about what this means for Denver’s future. These changes reflect a city that is finally aligning its systems with the needs of modern residential construction, empowering more residents to build without the costly delays and uncertainty that once held them back.