Our priorities are grounded in the lessons of the City’s history and the values of inclusiveness, mutual respect and self-reliance that are the hallmarks of our future.
We see our diversity as a source of strength and an important resource for our City. We will be responsive to our citizens’ needs as we address these priorities and continue to deliver what we promise. The trust of our citizens is the cornerstone value we will strive to maintain as we move forward together.
Provide a Safe and Secure Community
Citizens expect to live in a safe City with safe neighborhoods. Reducing
crime, preventing and responding to fire and medical emergencies quickly are
the expectations we have for our public safety departments.
Progress Indicators:
- Crime Rate
- % of citizens who report they feel safe
- Police response time
- Fire response time
- EMSA response time
- Cardiac arrest survival rate
Maintain Strong Financial Management
Prudent financial leadership will allow us to continue to meet citizen needs and maintain citizen confidence as we uphold our commitment to manage cost growth within available revenues. Sound financial leadership from elected, appointed and professional City staff is our expectation. While we will continually look for greater efficiency within the City organization, we will also continue to pursue opportunities to join with other jurisdictions to provide services more efficiently across the region.
Progress Indicators:
- % of citizens satisfied with the quality of City services
- Maintain AAA bond rating
- % of General Fund budget maintained in unbudgeted reserve
Promote Thriving Neighborhoods
Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods are the building blocks of a great city. The City will continue to promote strong neighborhoods by providing effective code enforcement, policing and support for neighborhood revitalization efforts. The City’s strategic land use development policies will help our City grow without compromising the ability to achieve our other priorities.
Progress Indicators:
- Inventory of vacant and abandoned buildings
- % of City population living within the inner loop
- % of residents saying their neighborhood is a great place to live
Develop a Transportation System That Works for All Citizens
A transportation system that gets people where they need to go in a timely manner and accommodates various means of mobility is necessary to connect citizens and businesses. Improving the condition of streets is the top priority of our citizens and will continue to receive significant investment in the coming years. We are making strides toward becoming more pedestrian and cyclist friendly through better planning, design and construction of complete streets, sidewalks, and trails. There is also a growing interest in improving public transportation within Oklahoma City and the central Oklahoma region. Regional solutions and funding for public transportation are a prerequisite to effectively serve the region and maximize the effectiveness of the system.
Progress Indicators:
- % of citizens satisfied with the condition of City streets
- # of miles of trails and sidewalks constructed
- Public transportation ridership (# of riders per service hour)
- Average commute time in Oklahoma City
Support High Quality Public Education and Community Health and Wellness
Public education that produces graduates who are prepared for future
success provides the foundation for a strong community. We must encourage
accountability in public education and find new ways to partner with the
Oklahoma City Public Schools, other school districts, businesses and
community groups to improve educational outcomes for our children.
Faced with mounting public health issues, we are committed to providing
increased recreational opportunities, communicating more effectively with
the public about the options available and working with other entities to
promote healthy living.
Progress Indicators:
- % of citizens that report regular leisure time physical activity
- % or citizens within ½ mile of a recreation facility, trail or park
- Graduation rate in Oklahoma City Public Schools
- % of 3rd graders reading at or above grade level
Adopted by the Mayor and City Council October 23, 2012.
