The historic role of the city planning department as a utopian visionary is being redefined by current economic reality as a business partner faster than its cumbersome structure is able to adjust.

Just as an appraiser gives an estimate of property value based on facts of the past, city planning is constructed on endless historic patterns and studies, many of which are proving to lack the flexibility and latitude needed for business to survive in threatening economic times.

A walk through a struggling downtown Napa reflects the state of both the local and national economy. Instead of placing the focus solely on the individual property owners and retailers.

Our public officials and planning department should put down their laborious plans and studies to bring about immediate change in application compliance and process.

The reality is that “the city,” acting on behalf of its citizens, is a business partner in any investment project or business permit that crosses its desk.

My recollection from real estate broker studies tells me that zoning was designed as a “police power” used to determine where what should be placed for the good of the society in general.

A noble cause in its origin, the current reality calls for real time flexibility and judgment equivalent to that of any other corporate or small business entrepreneur.

Too often we hear that government should be run like a business; before government can be run like a business it must think like one.

Passing numerous vacant storefronts, the same downtown stroll also reveals great successes of new bridges crossing the river, hotel rooms awaiting guests as well as restaurants and wine bars to provide them food and drink.

Credit to the city and planners is well deserved as these are not submitted dreams or wall renderings; they are tangible improvements standing in wait for economic recovery.

This visible renaissance provides proof that we have a history and the political will in our local government to get things done.

What is needed now is flexibility in modifying the zoning regulations as they are applied in today’s economy. If we are to fill the vacant spaces within our downtown’s new and existing buildings during the current economy, the city planning department must be flexible and efficient as it welcomes new businesses to the community.

The world of storefront retail has taken a hit from the economy in general and the move to online shopping in particular. In an entrepreneurial partnership the planning department can make zoning and use modifications, avoiding frozen adherence to regulations that were put in place in a different time and different economy. The city of Napa Planning Department can play a strategic and positive role in the effort to fill downtown vacancies.

A victory over the current economy will not be won by the shuffling of case studies in a far away tent of strategy. It will be won by the decisions and actions taken in real time on the front lines. The planning department, an administrative body bound by regulation, is called upon in this economy to exercise innovation. To not be the police power that says no, but the economy’s new business partner that says yes.

Charles Bogue is a real estate broker in Napa. He can be reached at 486-5511 or e-mail: cbnapa@napanet.net.