On August 21, 2007 the Oklahoma City Council met to identify the major issues facing the City over the next two to five years, and establish Strategic Priorities and Key Results that the City will target in order to successfully address the issues identified.  The following documents the Council’s decisions regarding issues, strategic priorities, and key results.

Issues

Citizen Confidence

Maintaining the confidence of our citizens is of the highest importance.  City leaders must create and maintain a vision of the City as a whole and continue to use objective, performance-based criteria to be responsive to citizen priorities.  Preserving a high level of Citizen satisfaction with City projects and services is essential.

Sustainable Financial Model

The City should move toward a financial model that provides adequate resources to meet the expectations for services in a growing City.  The need to diversify municipal revenue sources must continue to be communicated to the State Legislature.  Additional activities promoting higher paying jobs, supporting quality urban public education, and encouraging development in targeted areas will spur economic growth and provide the resources that allow the City to address citizen priorities.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a key issue for the City with street conditions the highest priority for citizens. Core infrastructure needs including well-maintained streets and bridges, efficient water distribution systems and healthy wastewater collection and treatment are basic expectations of citizens.  Emphasizing the use of objective measures to establish priorities should continue and, as basic needs are met, the focus should begin to shift to being proactive and addressing anticipated needs.

Government Efficiency

There are many opportunities in the metropolitan area to improve the efficiency and/or reduce the cost of government services.   Sharing resources and consolidating services will reduce the cost of local government or improve the consistency of services delivered to citizens in the region.

Public Transportation

Citizen Surveys and public forums have shown growing interest in improving the public transit alternatives and availability in Central Oklahoma.  Cooperative regional efforts will be necessary to meet transportation needs of a diverse population, attract and retain jobs and improve air quality.

Economic Development

A growing diversified employment base that provides quality job opportunities is needed. The City’s role in promoting economic development is vital to encouraging sustainable growth.  A dedicated funding source for economic development is needed for the City to be more competitive in attracting and retaining quality jobs.  Economic development incentives should be performance-based and result in higher paying jobs. 

Quality of Life

Demand continues to grow for recreational, cultural, and entertainment choices that meet the needs of a diversified population. In addition, other factors that make Oklahoma City a desirable place to live such as attractive community appearance, quality public education and availability of open spaces should be addressed. 

Strategic Priorities and Key Results

• Preserve and grow citizen confidence and trust in City government.  Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. Election results on City initiatives
2. Approval of the 2007 G.O. Bond Authorization
3. % of citizens who are satisfied the City is heading in the right direction
4. % of citizens who are satisfied with City services
5. % of citizens who are satisfied with City projects

• Sustainable financial model Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. Adoption of impact fees for new development
2. Increase in development and population in urban areas
3. Limit payroll expenses to 67% or less of total operating budget

• Focus on infrastructure (streets, bridges, water, and wastewater) development. Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. Increase the average street rating on the pavement management index
2. % of citizens satisfied with the maintenance of City streets

• Greater government efficiency. Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. Reduction in duplication of services in the metropolitan area.
2. % of citizens satisfied with the maintenance of City streets

• Quality of public transportation. Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. Increase in public transit ridership
2. Customer satisfaction with public transportation
3. Citizen satisfaction with public transportation
4. Complete Alternative Analysis Study and identify implementation strategies and schedule
5. # of days exceeding federal ozone standard

• Expand economic development initiatives. Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. Increase in per capita income
2. The number of new jobs that result from economic development incentives with an annual salary that is 20% greater than the Oklahoma County average
3. Number of jobs created
4. Increase in property values
5. Number cities served by non-stop flights from Will Rogers World Airport
   

• Enhance the quality of life. Progress on this priority will be measured by:

1. % of citizens who are satisfied with the quality of life in Oklahoma City
2. % of citizens who are satisfied with the quality of City parks, recreation programs and facilities