Local News in Brief : Planning Chief Transfers

Norman Murdoch, who has alternately drawn criticism from homeowner groups and developers during 13 years as head of the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department, is transferring. Murdoch, 61, will fill the newly created position of director of economic planning, working under county Chief Administrative Officer Richard Dixon.

Murdoch, whose planning agency has overseen development in vast unincorporated areas of Malibu, the Santa Clarita Valley and the east San Gabriel Valley, was viewed by many community activists as strongly pro-growth. But he also had ups and downs in his relations with the pro-growth, conservative majority of the Board of Supervisors. He received no pay increase this spring when other department heads were given raises.

In his new post, Murdoch will earn about $82,000 per year, about a 10% pay increase. Dixon said he will help improve the county’s long-range planning, including forecasting economic conditions that could affect county revenues. James Hartl, chief deputy director of planning, was named interim department head.