From: bostonherald.com.br

The Boston Redevelopment Authority is making a dizzying series of staffing changes as a new report shows the agency falling short on several of its key missions, such as planning, real estate management and monetizing assets

“We’re trying to get the balance right,” BRA Director Brian P. Golden said. “What do we need for full-time staff, and what are we wiser relying upon consultants for?”

Golden said the agency:

• Wants to hire a national search firm to find a new planning director after 22-year veteran Kairos Shen was fired to make way for a fresh direction;

• Is seeking a new budget director after longtime director Robert Luisi was moved to a new special assistant for strategic reforms position under Golden. The move came after several key, long-term employees retired from the budget office;

• Has installed David Carlson as deputy director for urban design, replacing Prataap Patrose, who will stay with the agency. Carlson was a senior architect in the urban design office and has been with the BRA since 1984. An ad for a new design professional in the department has also been posted;

• Is searching for a real estate professional to serve as director of real estate, focusing on developing under- used BRA-owned parcels and overseeing administration of BRA leases; and

• Is hiring three new planners to focus exclusively on the mayor’s “Imagine Boston 2030” citywide planning effort, and three other planners with a broader focus.