Bellevue City announces structural changes, new roles and responsibilities

Bellevue, Nebraska – Bellevue City Administrator, Jim Ristow, has revealed a series of internal restructuring measures within the City of Bellevue. This follows the resignation of Mark Elbert, the former Community Development Director, who served the city close to three decades. Elbert, who played an integral role in community development for over four years, is set to take up a new role within Sarpy County.

In the midst of these changes, the City of Bellevue is pleased to share that Tammi Palm will assume the role of Planning Director. Mrs. Palm’s long-standing association with the City of Bellevue’s Planning Department dates back to 2004, where she has advanced from a Planning Assistant to City Planner and, more recently, the Planning Manager since 2019.

In her elevated capacity, Mrs. Palm will supervise the City of Bellevue’s Planning Department, which is entrusted with the examination of all development applications for territories within the city and its two-mile extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction (ETJ). Her remit will encompass a myriad of applications including zoning changes, subdivisions, special use permits, conditional use permits, street and alley vacations, redevelopment plans, and amendments to either the Zoning Ordinance or the Subdivision Regulations.

Given the interconnected roles of the Planning Department and building permit issuance, City Administrator Ristow has also decided to place Bellevue’s Permits & Inspections Department, under the guidance of Mike Christensen, under the jurisdiction of Mrs. Palm and the Planning Department. However, this change won’t affect the routine functions of the Permits & Inspections Department, and the public’s interaction with this department remains unchanged.

In a further structural shift, the Code Enforcement Department, led by Joe Bockman, will now report directly to City Administrator Jim Ristow. This new reporting line is expected to ensure efficient resolution of disputes.

As a part of its ongoing commitment to community and economic development, the City of Bellevue is set to commence the recruitment process for a new Director of Community and Economic Development. This role will be instrumental in fostering and enhancing the city’s image, attracting businesses, and establishing partnerships, thereby propelling Bellevue’s growth.