Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department (PEDS) Launches Strategic Management Plan
Five-Year Plan Prioritizes Improved Processes, Better Communication, Innovation, and More
Whether it’s issuing permits for fences and pools, helping small businesses get started, or protecting our waterways and wildlife corridors, Orange County’s Planning, Environmental, and Development Services (PEDS) Department plays a vital role in residents’ daily lives.
Now, residents and businesses who rely on these services can expect to see some positive changes ahead.
PEDS has launched its first-ever departmentwide Strategic Management Plan — a five-year roadmap focused on improving services, streamlining processes, raising staff accountability, and enhancing communication to better serve the community.
Led by PEDS Director Tanya Wilson, the Department includes nearly 600 employees across seven divisions: Planning, Zoning, Building Safety, Fiscal & Operational Support, Environmental Protection, Housing & Community Development, and Neighborhood Services.
Read PEDS Strategic Management Plan here: BKT_25.11_PEDS_Department_Report.pdf
Use Tools at bottom of the page to learn more about the plan, leave comments, or ask questions.
Learn more about the Strategic Management Plan
The Strategic Management Plan underscores the Department’s commitment to meeting the challenges of Orange County’s rapid growth while continuing to deliver core services such as addressing the affordable housing crisis, protecting the natural environment, infusing innovation in the permitting process, and strengthening neighborhoods.
“Orange County is growing rapidly, with more complex challenges and service demands,” said PEDS Director Tanya Wilson, AICP. “With that growth comes the responsibility for our department to explore new ways to plan, protect and manage the County’s resources while serving the public with professionalism, dignity and respect.”
This plan represents a shared vision across the Department’s seven divisions, reflecting the collective voices of our staff, elected officials, stakeholders, businesses and residents, Wilson said.
The Strategic Management Plan identifies five key focus areas to guide the Department through 2030:
Relationship Building – Strengthening partnerships across divisions and with community stakeholders.
- Establish a stakeholder advisory group.
- Enhance small business support
- Strengthen community partnerships
Process Improvement – Streamlining and standardizing departmental processes for greater efficiency.
- Conduct process audits
- Enhance digital workflow systems for field enforcement
- Examine organizational structure for operational efficiency
Talent Acquisition, Management & Retention – Attracting, developing, and retaining a high-performing workforce.
- Develop a comprehensive recruitment strategy
- Enhance employee engagement and retention
Innovation & Technology – Leveraging digital transformation, AI tools, and data analytics to improve service delivery.
- Develop a comprehensive digital transformation strategy
- Implement advanced data analytics and AI
- Enhance Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D modeling capabilities
- Foster a culture of innovation
- Promote innovative sustainable development practices in development review
Communication – Enhancing internal and external communication to promote transparency and trust.
- Develop a comprehensive communication plan
- Enhance digital communication channels
- Enhance public education and outreach
- Provide better language support to our diverse population
“This plan serves as our roadmap for the next five years,” Wilson said. “It establishes clear priorities for how we grow as a team and as a community—by strengthening relationships, investing in our workforce, and leveraging technology to deliver smarter, faster, and more transparent services to the public.”
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