I ran for mayor to fix Houston. Since day one, my team has been committed to identifying and eliminating waste, fraud, duplication, and corruption. My goal is to restore trust and accountability in municipal government.
A few weeks ago, we announced the results of an efficiency study supported by Ernst and Young. The study examined 22 city departments and focused on four key areas: performance, organization, spending, and forensic accounting.
Among the key findings:
Performance and Accountability: Houston is already ahead in tracking progress through performance measures but needs to shift from just measuring outputs to tracking actual outcomes that matter to residents, like faster emergency response times and reducing disparities across communities.
Operations and Efficiency: Too many employees are bogged down in unnecessary administrative tasks, while outdated structures and narrow spans of control make it difficult to fill vacancies and retain talent.
Spending and Procurement: The current approach to procurement is ripe for improvement. The efficiency study found duplicative contracts, inconsistent vendor practices, and opportunities to save money by strategically managing spending.
Financial Controls and Risks: The study identified vulnerabilities in managing city resources, such as procurement card (P-Card) usage and emergency orders. Strengthening these controls will ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and responsibly.
We are dedicated to addressing these issues proactively. Our goal is not just to make the necessary improvements, but to do so in a way that maintains and even strengthens Houstonians’ trust and confidence in their city.
In response to the citywide efficiency study, my administration has initiated a corrective action plan, including a priority to:
Focus on Results: Revamp how the city tracks and shares progress through updated performance dashboards that are visible to the public.
Streamline Government: Redesign the city’s organizational structures to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, create clear career pathways, and ensure municipal teams have the resources to deliver.
Improve Spending Practices: Strengthen procurement processes to eliminate waste, find cost savings, and ensure vendors meet the high standards expected of those serving Houston.
Strengthen Financial Oversight: Implementing stricter controls and monitoring systems to safeguard taxpayer dollars and reduce risks.
I inherited a lot of challenges from previous administrations. It is so revealing why Houstonians are frustrated, and I will not go to them and ask for additional resources until, in my judgment, the City of Houston can regain their confidence that we are using their money wisely.
To read the study, please go to www.HoustonTX.gov.