I am pleased to advise that the "Priorities 2001" document produced by the City is now available on-line. As seems to happen with my e-mail browser, the following link is accurate, but may not work properly from your browser. If so, you'll have to cut and paste. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/citywork/city-coordinator/finance/services- budget/priorities/index.html Why is this interesting? At least in form, if not in function, the Priorities document is intended to inform the budget process. It outlines the city's stated goals, its proposed "outcome measures" as well as key strategic challenges facing the city and individual departments. It also has a basic business plan, including a mission statement, from each department. There is also a white paper on each of the following, identified challenges facing the city: * Defining the Role of City Government; * Management of Stresses on the City's Limited Financial Resources; * Creating a Competent, Diverse and Motivated Work Force; * Using Information Technology to Improve Access to City Information and Services; * Mobilizing the Entire Community to Keep Minneapolis Clean; * Assisting and Advocating for Underserved and Disadvantaged Communities; and * Assisting Troubled Households. All of these white papers have been transmitted to the Mayor and she may -- or may not -- include some of all of the suggestions in her budget for next year. If you're following the budget (and you should be), you'll want to read these. There are plenty of discussion topics here. This is some of the best work product I've seen down here, and while I don't agree that all of the challenges are really *city* challenges, and I might not agree with all the recommendations, your professional, city staff has done a great job with this project. My thanks to them for their efforts.. Barret W.S. Lane Fulton Neighborhood Council Member -- Ward 13 Minority Leader -- Barret W.S. Lane Attorney at Law Hanlon & Lane, P.L.L.P. 2925 Dean Parkway, Suite 300 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 Firm: (612) 928-7612 Direct: (612) 924-0496 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
