Report helps King County DNRP see how it measures up, improve service delivery

2005 Archived News

Building on efforts to stimulate a performance-based culture, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) has released its third annual performance measurement report, titled Measuring for Results-2004. This report supports county-wide efforts to use data to make informed decisions, improve services, and communicate successes and challenges to King County customers and residents.

The report details progress on 44 environmental indicators and agency performance measures. Ambitious targets have been developed for each of the indicators and measures and a"stop light" rating system using green-yellow-red colors evaluates the agency’s performance relative to the targets. The number of yellow and red measures reflects the high standards DNRP has set, the long term nature of environmental change, and the reality of resource constraints.

"We are determined to measure our performance and use performance information to improve the environment and quality of life in King County," said DNRP Director Pam Bissonnette. "The goal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our programs and services and we strongly believe that communicating this information with our elected officials, cities, county residents, and our own employees is essential. We hope that publishing these measures and indicators can make our intentions clearer to our organizational partners, be they citizens, non-profit organizations, local government, or state and federal agencies."

The report focuses on results provided by specific agency programs and broader environmental results to which the department contributes. Unlike the King County Benchmark Report, it is not a comprehensive assessment of the King County environment, but it does reflect environmental conditions that are affected by DNRP operations and programs.

The 2003 DNRP Performance Measure Report received national recognition earlier this year. The Department was one of six government entities honored for exceptional performance reporting and was awarded a prestigious "Certificate of Excellence in Service Efforts and Accomplishments Reporting" by the National Association of Government Accountants. The award recognizes government accountability reporting programs that meet guidelines that enhance public accessibility and ensure credible performance measure reporting.

An executive summary and overview data chart from the 2004 report are available on the DNRP’s Web site at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/performance/index.htm. Individuals who would like a printed copy of the report or chart mailed to them can contact Anna Matte at anna.matte@kingcounty.gov or at 206-296-6500.