Tapp heading up community development

Doug Tapp
Doug Tapp

Doug Tapp has taken the helm at Community Development Services.

Tapp came from Little Rock, where he worked as Land Bank administrator, he said, and he's also served as a code enforcement supervisor and has experience in housing and neighborhood planning.

After five weeks working in Bella Vista, Tapp said he's finally starting to get comfortable with his new position.

"I think I've finally met and been to meetings on all of our current projects," he said.

His new post is overseeing the Community Development Services Department, which handles city planning, zoning and permitting for all property types, as well as trails, the planning commission, board of zoning adjustments and board of construction appeals.

The department has four building inspectors and two code enforcement officers, among other staff.

Tapp said he ended up in planning because he's always been in and around the housing industry.

"My grandfather was a homebuilder, I grew up building houses and cabins with him," he said.

He worked with banks approving loans for construction and started a home inspection company in 2008, he said, and he's also a licensed real estate agent.

"It's just kind of a good fit," he said.

Bella Vista presents some unique challenges, especially with trying to fit the ACC, POA and city together. Each has its role, he said, but it also means the city code has to be built with other entities in mind.

Tapp said he and his wife, Catherine Tapp, chose this area specifically and are looking for a home to buy.

After seeing city council and other city meetings, he said he's impressed with the city's leadership.

"When you see these councilmen and commissioners and board members, there's just a genuine concern and care," he said.

His priority now is to build rapport and show the workers in his department, which has recently seen significant turnover, that there is leadership and someone has their backs, he said, and he looks forward to running the department.

"It's just been five weeks of joy," Tapp said.

General News on 02/13/2019