On Thursday, City Council Member David Ryu announced that his office’s Senior Planning Deputy, Julia Duncan, who has worked on planning and zoning issues with many of our local neighborhoods, will be leaving her post for a position in the City Planning Department. As Duncan exits, however, longtime CD4 staffer Renee Weitzer, who retired two years ago, will return to CD4 as a Senior Advisor for Land Use & Development.
“Today is a momentous day for my office, as we say goodbye to Julia Duncan, who has been with my team since the campaign,” Ryu said in a statement announcing the staff changes. “We are sad to see her go, as she has served this office with professionalism, brilliance, and a tireless dedication to Council District Four and it’s residents. However, we are so proud as she steps into this new role in the Planning Department. The City family is very lucky to have a planner like Julia Duncan.”
According to the press release, Duncan will serve the City of Los Angeles as a Project Planner with the City’s Planning Department. Her last day with Council District Four is February 16.
Ryu’s statement also announced that Weitzer, who worked for the city for more than 36 years, including many years with former CD4 Council Member Tom La Bonge, will begin her new position immediately. (Ryu introduced a motion to the City Council on January 30 to approve Weitzer’s salary and January-July employment. The motion has been placed on the Council’s agenda for approval on February 6.)
“Renee Weitzer is a venerable icon in Los Angeles City government. Few people know Council District Four, its places, and its residents better than Renee,” Ryu said. “In her new role she will serve as a consultant on various projects in our district. We’re thrilled to welcome her back.”
Finally, the statement on Thursday also noted that Ryu’s office is currently seeking applicants to fill both junior and senior planning-related positions in CD4. Interested parties should contact Policy Director Nick Greif at [email protected].
