Planning division makes new hires

Salt Lake City's Planning Division has essentially overcome its staffing shortfall.

In addition to the recent hiring of former Sandy planning director George Shaw to replace outgoing planning director Alex Ikefuna, the division has now filled five of its six vacant planner positions, the Planning Commission learned Wednesday.

Upon hearing the news, the commission broke out into applause.

A high turnover rate has plagued the division recently, and some developers and city staff have complained the shortfall has slowed the approval process for some projects.