Brad Buchanan, former Denver planning director, returns temporarily
Brad Buchanan, former head planner in Denver and current CEO of the National Western Center Authority, has been appointed as the city’s interim planning director by Mayor Mike Johnston while a permanent appointee is sought.
Johnston made the announcement following the resignation of current planning director Manish Kumar.
Buchanan previously served as the executive director of the Department of Community Planning and Development under former Mayor Michael Hancock from 2014 to 2018 before taking on his role at the National Western authority.
According to Johnston, Buchanan’s familiarity with the department and its team makes him an ideal choice to lead CPD during this transitional period.
“His extensive knowledge of Denver’s permitting and development processes gives me great confidence in his ability to steer CPD forward as we streamline our permitting procedures and provide services to our community,” Johnston stated in a news release.
While leading the planning department, Buchanan will continue in his role as the CEO of the National Western authority, overseeing the expansion of the campus.
Kumar decided to step down from his position after just 13 months, stating that he had achieved his goals within the department.
The city intends to initiate a search for a permanent replacement for Kumar.
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