City Council sets City priorities
(September 27, 2007) - City Council adopted a statement of strategic issues, priorities and expected results that will guide the City’s business plans and budget strategies for the next two to five years.
The Council held a workshop in August to review and identify new emerging issues the City faces over the next several years. They established strategic priorities for the critical issues and identified expected results. City staff developed performance measures to track the City’s progress.
“This process has proven to be invaluable in making sure the City continues to meet the needs of our citizens and provide them the high quality services they expect,” said Mayor Mick Cornett. “Eighty four percent of residents rated Oklahoma City as an excellent or good place to live, according to a citizen survey conducted a few months ago. That does not mean we are satisfied but it’s a good indication we are on the right track,” the Mayor said.
The Council’s strategic priorities are a part of the “Leading for Results” performance management initiative the City launched in 2005 to focus City services on results citizens expect.
The Council established the following issues for the City:
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.
This list, along with details about the City’s strategic priorities and key results, can be found on the City’s Web site at www.okc.gov.
