City department lands recognition for improving performance measures

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized the City of Mesa with a Center for Performance Measures Certificate of Distinction.

The Certificate of Distinction pays special tribute to the efforts by City staff to continually put forth process enhancements by measuring and improving government performance and by incorporating performance data into the decision-making process.

“It is important to step back and evaluate the considerable efforts that City management has made over the last year to improve our focus on results and accountability”, said Management Performance and Accountability Director, Bill Follette.  “What we have started in Mesa is still unique in local governments.  This recognition the City has received reinforces that Performance Management is a key component to a comprehensive management system and critical to the continued success of Mesa.”

The City of Mesa began embarking on a comprehensive Performance Management initiative in September 2007.  The program requires each department to have a current Strategic Plan that is the basis for an annual Operational Plan.  Every City program includes performance measures and benchmarks used to track their progress in meeting their planned outcomes.  Each goes through a formal performance review process two to four times a year with the City Manager and his staff.

“Customer Service is a top priority of the organization.  It’s important that we evaluate and manage performance data alongside comparable public sector high-performers”, said City Manager, Chris Brady.

ICMA and its nearly 9,000 members work to create excellence in local governance by advocating and developing the professional management of local governments worldwide.

A certificate presentation will take place in late September at the ICMA Annual Conference in Richmond, Virginia.