Item 45 Motion

[Ryan Alter]

Colleagues
In advance of our discussion of an efficiency assessment ordinance (item 45), I wanted to share a few minor amendments that I’ve developed with staff.

As I noted at the Audit & Finance Committee, I support this effort and believe it will be essential to maintaining effective public services as we face increasingly constrained budgets. Outside perspectives can bring real value by offering fresh insights into how we operate. At the same time, our own city employees have deep expertise and practical ideas that are too often untapped. As we establish this new process, we should ensure it includes a clear opportunity for employees to submit suggestions for improvement.

The second amendment in the motion directs the City Manager or the appropriate direct report to provide a response to each efficiency assessment recommendation. This mirrors an important element of our current audit process and allows City Management either to move quickly toward implementation where appropriate, or to identify trade-offs for Council’s consideration before action is directed.

Together, these amendments are intended to create a collaborative process that draws on the best ideas from both inside and outside the organization, helping ensure we continue to deliver high-quality services for Austin residents and businesses.

http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 090930.pdf

Ryan