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WHEREAS, since its establishment in 1758 the City of Pittsburgh has enjoyed a robust history as one of the world's most innovative and productive cities; and,
WHEREAS, the citizens of Pittsburgh deserve a city government that measures up to those same high standards of innovation and productivity; and,
WHEREAS, the citizens of Pittsburgh deserve a city government intent on building a future that will make both its grandparents and children proud; and,
WHEREAS, accountability, which is the cornerstone of an innovative, productive and forward-thinking government, rests on a foundation of clear priorities with realistic goals; and,
WHEREAS, the citizens of Pittsburgh are best served when the City Council and Mayor work together toward the fulfillment of clearly articulated priorities and goals;,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that during this 250th anniversary year, the City Council and Mayor of Pittsburgh do hereby jointly make the following pledges to improve the quality of governance in the City of Pittsburgh:
1. The Mayor and City Council pledge to make real and measurable progress solving the long-term financial challenges facing city government.
a. Priority 1: Identify operational efficiencies through shared or consolidated services
Action Item: Create a joint legislative and executive branch committee, also to include the City Controller, tothat would be charged with identifying areas of operational efficiencies between the three taxing bodies as well as the authorities of the City of Pittsburgh.
b. Priority 2: Reduce the legacy costs associated with Pittsburgh's city government for future generations
Action Items: Approve a budget that maintains the usage of a pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) approach to capital funding so that the city is on a path to reduce annual debt service payments below 15% of current revenues; approve a budget that increases the City's annual pension contribution by 15% above the minimum municipal obligation (MMO); establish regular quarterly meetings between the Council, the Mayor and the City of Pittsburgh's pension advisor.
2. The Mayor and City Council pledge to improve the quality of city services for each and every citizen of Pittsburgh.
a. Priority 1: Guarantee excellence in service and equity of provision through performance measures and standards.
Action Items: The publication of performance measures and standards established initially for the departments of Public Works, Police, Bureau of Building Inspection, City Information Services, Finance, Parks and Recreation, and Personnel; establish regular quarterly meetings at which Directors report departmental performance to the Mayor, the City Council, and the citizens of Pittsburgh.
b. Priority 2: Increase access to, pride of and confidence in all city services by ensuring equity in the provision of those services to all Pittsburghers.
Action Items: The creation of a communication plan to promote every city service; call for wider online access for such things as tax forms, tax payments, permits, and calendars.
3. The Mayor and City Council pledge to ensure long-term equity and efficiency in land-use planning and development.
a. Priority 1: Improve the quality of life for future generations by identifying current land use opportunities and challenges facing the City of Pittsburgh
Action Item: Provide funding to the Department of City Planning for the creation of a long-term, comprehensive development plan for all of Pittsburgh.
4. The Mayor and City Council pledge to support a city government that is as green and sustainable as Pittsburgh's growing international reputation in this area.
a. Priority 1: Reduce the impact on the environment of Pittsburgh city government's operations and services
Action Item: Establish organizational responsibility for and allocate resources to the development and implementation of an Environmental Management System for all departments in Pittsburgh's city government.
5. The Mayor and City Council pledge to maintain the highest ethical standards and avoid misconduct and conflicts of interest, apparent or real.
a. Priority 1: Ensure the ethical operation of the offices of the Mayor and City Council
Action Item: Call on the City Controller to audit all operational aspects of the offices of the Mayor, City Council and City Clerk