Accountable Government
We are matching our financial resources with goals that are clearer and more open to the public - and can be measured to work better, cost less and put citizen priorities first.
Community Partner
"Accountable government requires a real commitment on the part of staff to open up the decision making process in a way that engages residents in collaborative work and decision-making. It's much more diffi cult to engage rather than dictate. I applaud city staff for the kinds of tools they have made available to facilitate the process of community-building. I think that much of the passion and energy in this community - out of which so many positive things arise - is a result of that sense of collaboration and innovation."
Improved openness, transparency and access
- Adopted first General Plan in decades - on August 8, 2005 - after over seven years of public meetings, 200 workshops and input by thousands of residents - setting long-range goals for Ventura's future
- Added City Manager Blog and web surveys to city website for citizens to provide input and get information
- Launched My Ventura Access (MVA) in 2006 as a 24/7 online connection for residents to ask questions, request information and track service responses
- Improved tracking, response and resolution of Code Enforcement active cases and violations using new MVA module - resolving in just one month (July 2007) 34% of all 491 active cases and 30% of all 810 active violations
- Created ten-minute "Budget 101" video to increase community awareness of city's budget challenges with a fast-paced "run through" of municipal funding sources, expenses, and management innovations. The mayor presented the national award-winning video at his State of the City address and to civic, business and service clubs in February 2007
Measured performance
- Adopted "Budget for Outcomes" process that sets annual fi scal goals, clear responsibilities and specific results as benchmarks that are accountable to the public
- Created "Annual Report Card" so the public can review grades for each department's progress on achieving top goals
- Surveyed residents annually to get their independent and statistically valid opinions to guide and improve City performance
The Road Ahead
- Shift to a "Budget for Outcomes" process of innovation, partnerships and accountability that creates smarter government that works better and costs less with a focus on results that put citizen priorities first