A draft report by Matrix Consulting Group completed last month calls into question whether there have been any significant changes. The report found the department suffers from a void of accountability, wayward management and incoherent organization. What does seem clear is the administration is cleaning house of employees accused of misconduct, with two senior inspectors forced out of their jobs within the last month.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration is moving to reorganize the city’s permitting department in a way that it says will improve customer service and result in better short-term rental enforcement. The plan, which is still in formation, is sparking some concern, however, since it would shift a well-respected official, Ashley Becnel, away from overseeing STR enforcement.