2018 State Standard of Excellence
1. Strategic Goals
Did the Governor have public statewide strategic goals?
Why is this important?
The creation of statewide strategic goals is an important first step in aligning goals, expenditures, and programmatic activities as a way to improve outcomes on a state government’s highest priorities.
Leading Example
CO
Statewide
The Colorado Governor’s Office publishes statewide strategic goals and statewide and agency-specific outcomes on its performance dashboard. The Governor’s annual budget request links these goals to specific agency activities and outcomes.
Promising Examples
OR
Statewide
In 2011, Oregon implemented a strategic plan entitled “10-Year Plan for Oregon,” which uses outcome-based budgeting to align outcomes with state agencies’ programmatic responsibilities. Building on that foundation, the current administration’s four priorities include details about each goal and the state entities charged with managing efforts in relevant areas.
TN
Statewide
The Tennessee Governor’s Office has publicized strategic goals in the areas of education and workforce development; fiscal strength and efficient government; health and welfare; jobs and economic development; and public safety. Transparent TN, the state’s performance and data website, links these strategic priorities to statewide performance dashboards with specific sub-goals, targets, and performance data. The site also includes fiscal data related to agency’s programmatic spending and other expenditures.
WA
Statewide
Washington has five overarching goals: world class education; prosperous economy; sustainable energy and clean environment; healthy and safe communities; and effective, efficient, and accountable government. In each of these areas, the state tracks specific goals and targets which are accompanied by information that defines the goals, explains their importance, and tracks progress using data, graphs, and charts.