Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday named Kevin James as film liaison and announced several steps to expedite filming permits within the city.

Addressing film industry supporters of the recently expanded state film tax credit, Garcetti named James – current Public Works board president and a former mayoral candidate – as the city’s chief film liaison. James will assist city film czar Ken Ziffren in helping the film industry to cut through red tape at City Hall.

Garcetti also signed an executive order requiring each city department to appoint their own film liaison who will attend quarterly meetings to troubleshoot any issues film companies have in getting permits.

And Garcetti announced he plans to increase his budget requests for departments that provide services critical for filming, from permitting to sign posting.

“With the new film tax credit in place, we now must make sure L.A. is as film-friendly as possible by cutting red tape, coordinating city departments and investing in city services that promote entertainment job production,” Garcetti said.