posted on: 07/18/2014
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized Dover, New Hampshire for its performance management efforts with a Certificate of Achievement from the ICMA Center for Performance Analytics.
“The certificate program recognizes the principles of performance management,” said Randall H. Reid, ICMA Director of Performance Initiatives. “Jurisdictions meeting the qualifications have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement, and they serve as examples for other governments to follow.”
ICMA assesses a local government’s performance management program and encourages analysis of results by comparing to peers and gauging performance over time. Performance management aids in cost reduction, program prioritization, and quality improvement. It also encourages accountability and transparency. Certificates are awarded at the levels of Achievement, Distinction, and Excellence. Dover is among nine jurisdictions receiving the Certificate of Achievement, and one of 49 recognized overall.
Criteria for the Certificate of Achievement include:
- Reporting of performance data to the public through budgets, newsletters, and/or information provided to elected officials;
- Data verification efforts to ensure reliability;
- Staff training.
City of Dover Director of Planning and Community Development Christopher Parker, AICP, said the Certificate of Achievement is recognition of Dover’s longstanding commitment to a management framework that instills performance excellence.
“We’re pleased to be recognized by ICMA for performance management excellence,” Parker said. “All City of Dover staff are dedicated to a core set of values that dictate how we operate, including customer-focused service, integrity, innovation, accountability and stewardship. These core values are the foundation of our mission to provide affordable, high-quality municipal services and responsive local government.”
Parker added the City of Dover continually reviews its operations and performance metrics to maintain and improve efficiency.
“We regularly review our metrics to better assess and improve customer service,” Parker said. “In addition, this information is shared with elected officials and the public. The City’s website includes several years of best practices recognition, much of which is the result of our continued assessment of services, and City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., includes even more detailed information in his report to the City Council each month. These reports are also available to the public online.”
Dover is one of fewer than 10 communities nationwide to receive the Certificate of Achievement from the ICMA Center for Performance Analytics.
“It’s rewarding to be recognized as one of a handful of communities that excels at best practices in performance management,” City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. said. “Although we’re constantly evaluating how we can improve customer service, this recognition is the result of the hard work and dedication of City staff and department leaders committed to the City’s mission and core values.”
About ICMA
Now in its 100th year, ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government worldwide. Its mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advancing professional management of local government. ICMA provides member support; publications; data and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to nearly 9,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of individuals living in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas.
About the Center for Performance Analytics
ICMA’s Center for Performance Analytics is dedicated to helping local governments use performance information to better the lives of the people they serve. The Center encourages the use and public reporting of performance information in a positive, continuous-learning environment in order to foster organizational cultures that deliver results that matter. For more information on the center’s comparative data analysis services, please visit icma.org/performanceinsights.
