Los Angeles Planning Director Con Howe announces his retirement after 12 years with the city.
"Howe is the 12th department head to have given notice this year. The planning director said he would end his 12 years with the city early next year after a national search finds a permanent replacement.
...[D]evelopers said Howe invigorated a department that was languishing when he arrived from New York, where he was a city planner.
'When he came here, he was a visionary, and he was full of energy,' said Steve Afriat, a lobbyist who handles development projects. 'Over time, the department got bogged down.'
...Some city officials said outgoing Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, who applied for the planning director's job when it was given to Howe 12 years ago, could be a good fit."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: L.A. Planning Director Says He Will Retire
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