PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach Development Services Director Amy Bodek named Linda F. Tatum, AICP, former Acting Director of Economic and Community Development Department for the City of Inglewood, as Planning Bureau Manager for Long Beach Development Services.  Ms. Tatum's appointment is effective immediately.  

"Linda has a proven leadership record in municipal planning and decision-making, and will be highly valuable to the Department and to the City," Ms. Bodek said.  “Her wealth of knowledge and over 20 years of experience will help move forward long-range planning efforts, including the update to the Land Use Element, preparation of specific plans, and historic preservation.”

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Tatum was responsible for overseeing the City of Inglewood’s planning, building and safety, and code enforcement divisions; and managing developments, including the reopening of The Forum by Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Park Tomorrow project.  She previously held the positions of Planning Manager for Culver City, and Senior Planner for the City of Santa Ana. 

“As the newly appointed Planning Bureau Manager, I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of Long Beach,” Ms. Tatum said.  “I am dedicated to building on the City’s commitment to good planning, community engagement, and customer service.” 

Finding the right balance of new development and essential services continues to be a top priority for Long Beach.  The Permit Center at City Hall provides a streamlined process for plan check, permitting, and inspection services, enhancing efficiencies and reducing costs for customers.  Additionally, policies such as the Downtown Plan and Adaptive Reuse Ordinance help to ensure timeliness and clarify processes, providing a framework for development and making Long Beach even more business-friendly.

Ms. Tatum received her Master of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, Tallahassee.  She has instructed at California State University, Fullerton, and is a member of the Site Visitor Pool for the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).  She is a 2014 Planner Emeritus Network (PEN) Award Honoree.