Hey, I was looking through the city’s old permit forms and spotted a bunch of loopholes that let people push projects forward without all the red tape. Thought we could chat about how to use those for the next fundraiser.

I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.

Sure thing. A quick win is to push for an online portal—most city clerk sites now let you upload forms, track status, and even get digital signatures. That cuts down on the piles of paper and the waiting room. Next, make a template for the most common requests so you’re not writing a fresh memo every time. And don’t ignore the “office hours” policy; a quick chat with the clerk can clear up a lot of bureaucratic snags before they get out of hand. If you’re hitting roadblocks, a short meeting with the permitting officer to set clear deadlines and checkpoints can keep the process moving without the usual back‑and‑forth. Give it a try.

Sounds good. Just keep the snack low‑key—no fancy pastries that need a permit, just a bag of chips or some fruit. That way you’re not making a spectacle of it, but still getting their attention. Good luck.