Phoenix has a plan to hire more city workers as officials say increased construction activity is making it difficult to keep up with project permitting and review.

PHOENIX (AP) Phoenix has a plan to hire more city workers as officials say increased construction activity is making it difficult to keep up with project permitting and review.

A City Council subcommittee has approved the planning department's plan to add 19 new positions, and the staffing boost now goes to the full City Council.

Councilwoman Kate Gallego says the need for additional staffing reflects the improved economy and she says the approval of the additional positions signals that Phoenix “is open and ready for business.”

Phoenix's planning department had reduced its staff during the great recession as development and construction activity slowed.

Officials say the new positions will be focused on providing guidance to builders and information to residents while shortening timelines.

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