Item - 2023.PH3.20

The Planning and Housing Committee:

1.  Request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in consultation with the Chief People Officer, People and Equity and representatives from Local 79, to examine the feasibility of creating secondment opportunities within City Planning for planning professionals from the private and not-for-profit sectors to further career development, capacity building and expertise in the public sector and to help advance the realization of city priorities, including affordable housing, and report back to Planning and Housing Committee by October 26, 2023.

The City of Toronto and the City Planning Division are committed to building a city where residents can thrive in safe, affordable and dynamic neighbourhoods. Achieving Toronto’s city building initiatives such as our ambitious HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan requires strong communication, co-operation and understanding between private, not-for-profit and public sector planning professionals and experts.

Creating secondment opportunities for professionals from the private and not-for-profit sectors to the public service:

• Provides seconded employees with career development, education and knowledge building opportunities;
• Provides public sector employees with pathways to gain greater understanding of sectoral best practices; and
• Enhances mutual understanding of the drivers of the public and planning policy processes.

Consistent with PH35.23 Agenda Item History - 2022.PH35.23 (toronto.ca), secondment opportunities from the private and not-for-profit sectors, support the City Planning Division’s efforts to build a positive workplace culture of engagement, team purpose and professional development.