What are business plans
and why do we do them?
Business plans allow an organization to put "feet" on its Strategic
Plan and answer the following key questions:
· What services
are we providing?
·
What could we be doing differently?
· How are they being provided?
· Are we doing a good job?
· What innovations have we undertaken?
· What lies ahead?
Aligned with the budget process, business planning focuses the
work of Administration, ensuring community priorities are met and
a coordinated approach to planning is taking place for all services,
therefore providing a consistent format for delivering this information
to Council and the community and facilitating an ongoing review
of the services provided.
How are business plans linked to
the annual budget process?
Every year difficult decisions have to be made around which initiatives
to fund, what the appropriate service levels should be, and to chart
the immediate direction of the organization through the Business
Plan. The ultimate goal of this process is always to be cognizant
of the long term viability of the community, to spend tax dollars
wisely, and maintain the quality of life for all of our residents.
When deliberating the business plan and budget Council must constantly
weigh different community needs. Increases in service levels must
be matched by corresponding revenues.
By law, a municipality cannot spend more funds than it takes
in. Because of this, Council often faces hard choices regarding
service and taxation levels. This is a challenge at the best of
times. In a climate of global and regional economic uncertainty
the task is made that much harder. This also, however, presents
an opportunity - a chance to be more resilient, to improve, and
to do business differently where efficiencies can be achieved.
Business planning and budget cycle
Our Service Based Process
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The nature of our changing world has led many public sector organizations
to adopt a service based approach to business planning.
Many municipalities throughout North America have transitioned from a traditional,
hierarchical view of government with large and complex departments serving
as the information gatekeepers, to one that is more citizen-oriented and
focused on service delivery.
IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Awards
recognize innovation
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Tell us what you think!
Your feedback is always welcome!
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