Brad Buchanan has been both interim executive director of Denver’s Community Planning and Development department and CEO of the National Western Center Authority since June. (Courtesy National Western Center Authority)
The interim head of Denver’s Community Planning and Development department may soon be dropping the interim.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said Thursday that he has nominated Brad Buchanan to be the permanent, full-time leader of the department that reviews development plans and permitting applications.
Buchanan was named interim head of CPD in June following the resignation of Manish Kumar. At the time, Buchanan said he expected his successor to be named within six months.
“I also think it’s really important that they have put money at risk and understand what it is like to sign on a construction loan, and what it’s like to sweat and wait for a building permit, to sweat and wait out inspections, to take a risk in a marketplace,” he told BusinessDen at the time.
Four months later, Buchanan will be his own successor, assuming the Denver City Council signs off.
Buchanan is familiar with the role. He previously served as CPD director from 2014 to 2018 under Mayor Michael Hancock, earning the respect of developers who have since seen city review times surge. Johnston has been trying to correct that.
“By accelerating speed to market, we can deliver more affordable housing where it’s needed most, our neighborhoods, downtown core and near transit,” Buchanan said in a Thursday statement. “I’m committed to leading a planning department that is responsive, collaborative and focused on building a more inclusive and connected Denver.”
But Buchanan also has another job. He has been CEO of the National Western Center Authority since 2018 and has been leading both that organization and CPD since June.
But the mayor said Thursday that Buchanan will transition out of the National Western Center role in 2026 when a successor is found.
“I am deeply grateful that Brad has decided to continue to lead one of our most critical teams who support the growth of our city – CPD,” Johnston said in a statement. “Brad’s wealth of experience in building and leading teams, his deep understanding of Denver’s planning and development landscape and his innovative approach will continue to deliver results for our city.”
Brad Buchanan has been both interim executive director of Denver’s Community Planning and Development department and CEO of the National Western Center Authority since June. (Courtesy National Western Center Authority)
The interim head of Denver’s Community Planning and Development department may soon be dropping the interim.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said Thursday that he has nominated Brad Buchanan to be the permanent, full-time leader of the department that reviews development plans and permitting applications.
Buchanan was named interim head of CPD in June following the resignation of Manish Kumar. At the time, Buchanan said he expected his successor to be named within six months.
“I also think it’s really important that they have put money at risk and understand what it is like to sign on a construction loan, and what it’s like to sweat and wait for a building permit, to sweat and wait out inspections, to take a risk in a marketplace,” he told BusinessDen at the time.
Four months later, Buchanan will be his own successor, assuming the Denver City Council signs off.
Buchanan is familiar with the role. He previously served as CPD director from 2014 to 2018 under Mayor Michael Hancock, earning the respect of developers who have since seen city review times surge. Johnston has been trying to correct that.
“By accelerating speed to market, we can deliver more affordable housing where it’s needed most, our neighborhoods, downtown core and near transit,” Buchanan said in a Thursday statement. “I’m committed to leading a planning department that is responsive, collaborative and focused on building a more inclusive and connected Denver.”
But Buchanan also has another job. He has been CEO of the National Western Center Authority since 2018 and has been leading both that organization and CPD since June.
But the mayor said Thursday that Buchanan will transition out of the National Western Center role in 2026 when a successor is found.
“I am deeply grateful that Brad has decided to continue to lead one of our most critical teams who support the growth of our city – CPD,” Johnston said in a statement. “Brad’s wealth of experience in building and leading teams, his deep understanding of Denver’s planning and development landscape and his innovative approach will continue to deliver results for our city.”
