Katz suggested, however, that she might take responsibility for land-use planning away from Hales. That would put planners and the mayor's development agency under the same thumb, which might help Katz execute her vision of urban livability. Of course, Hales might also be tickled to get rid of planning. Hales' main focus is the Transportation Bureau, the city's second largest in number of employees. The backlog of streets in need of repair reached 495 miles, a 10-year high.
People are more unhappy about congestion and traffic safety than any other city issues.
Even the city's street sweeping has decreased in recent years. But tearing up downtown streets could create a new traffic nightmare for Hales. The Boy Wonder must have thought it was Christmas morning again after the mayor handed out assignments. Sten had better get busy. Housing costs are becoming burdensome, auditors say, as the number of residents paying more than 30 percent of their income for shelter is increasing.