What most city bureaucrats refuse to acknowledge and understand is the cost of delays.  In the private investment world, 3 months is a long time.

I used to participate as a business volunteer in another community that met with business leaders that were contemplating locating a new facility in our community.  One of the primary questions of us was always how long will it take to get thru the bureaucracy so we can break ground.   We lost businesses because of that factor when other communities offered expedited permitting and cooperation.

It is a big deal for private investors due to the time value of money.  A public employee who is used to sitting on their butts with almost no consequence for delays in work has a hard time understanding why this is such a big deal to potential employers and other investors.

Perhaps all planners, permit approvers, etc. should be required to take financial coursework, and attend workshops with entrepreneurs to listen to investment priorities?