Highlights
Dec. 7 Audio Conference: Using Performance Information to Drive Performance Improvement
AGA is pleased to announce its newest audio conference, worth 2 CPE hours, on using performance information to improve government operations, set for 2–3:50 p.m. EST Dec. 7.
The federal government has embarked on an exciting program to use performance information to drive performance improvement. Specifically, agencies are gathering the output and outcome data for selected programs and using the data in high-level reviews to discuss and determine ways to improve results and/or identify successes that can be replicated elsewhere. This audio conference will describe the current practices as determined by an AGA research study, as well as present recommendations for establishing or enhancing such a program. It will also describe how one agency uses the data-driven review process to maximize its performance.
To share their knowledge and expertise in performance management and government operations are Harold I. Steinberg, CGFM, CPA, consultant; and Toni Trombecky, performance improvement officer and manager, Strategic Planning Division, Federal Aviation Administration.
Cost: $249 per site (UNLIMITED ATTENDANCE) if you register on or before Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 and $299 thereafter.
Special Promotion: Government agencies and AGA Corporate Partner members who register five or more offices will receive a 20 percent discount ($200 per site).
Individual Option: Two, three or four individuals can register at $50 per person. Contact Maria Oquendo at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 308, for registration details.
To Register: Print the registration form or the special promotion registration and fax it to 703.562.0361.
Upcoming AGA Performance Reporting Events
Dec. 9, 2011: CEAR Reviewers Workshop, Washington, D.C.
April 24–25, 2012: AGA's Third Annual Federal Performance Conference, Washington, D.C. Convention Center
Are you interested in making a presentation at the FPC? Interested in serving on the technical committee? Contact Evie Barry.
CEAR Reviewers Needed
AGA is looking for individuals to review federal performance and accountability reports. These reports take between eight and 16 hours to review, depending on the size of the report. A reviewers' workshop, worth 2 CPE hours, will be held 10 a.m. – noon, Dec. 9, 2011, in the GAO Building in Washington, D.C. Interested? Please contact Louise Kapelewski.
In the News
The Politics of Outcomes —Babak Armajani, Governing.
Paying for Performance at the Top —Charles Chieppo, Governing.
Analysis: Searching for Honest Performance Ratings —Howard Risher, Government Executive.
November 2011• Volume 5, Issue 7
Inspiration, Innovation Offered at Seventh Annual Performance Management Conference in Seattle
Earlier this month AGA held its Seventh Annual Performance Management Conference in Seattle. The sun and reasonably mild temperatures set the tone for a positive and energetic event.
This year’s conference attracted 155 professionals, most of whom were already involved with performance for their federal, state and local governments. For those of you who have never attended this event, this national conference is the only one that encompasses reporting, measurement and management for all levels of government. And because working together is so important in meeting the needs of all citizens, we organized interesting presentations by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board and the Washington Government Management Accountability and Performance Program. This year we tried to show how government services are interrelated and codependent.
Our keynote speakers were inspirational and informative and just plain entertaining. Dow Constantine, county executive, King County WA, started off the conference explaining how he was continuing to move King County into the forefront of accountability, performance and government reform though the county had experienced a downturn in revenue. If you have not been to the King County website and viewed their performance materials please check it out.
Brian Sonntag, who is retiring after 20 years as Washington’s state auditor, talked about how his office has evolved, especially since the office gained legislative responsibility to do performance audits. And Michael J. Jordan, chief operating officer and director of the Department of Administrative Services for the state of Oregon, explained his new role in Oregon and how previous work from the Oregon Progress Board will assist state government in making some decisions around resources for state programs.
The 2011 conference also featured an international session, and a session focusing on community surveys. Citizen-Centric Reporting and Service Efforts and Accomplishments sessions also highlighted the program agenda. Finally, presenters discussed using performance measures in performance auditing, improving performance by reducing administrative burden and explaining the usefulness of performance-based contracting. Budgeting for outcomes, integrating performance measures and community indicators, making decisions on reliable data and making performance management work in the federal government rounded out the program. If you'd like to receive any of the presentations, please contact Evie Barry, AGA's director of performance reporting, and specify which session is of interest.
One attendee indicated, “This is my first AGA conference and I enjoyed it. I felt that the caliber of speakers was high and I appreciated their candor and willingness to address questions. The event was well-organized and AGA representatives were helpful—thanks!”
If you have any thoughts on where the next conference should be held, please feel free to contact Evie Barry. If you’d like to become a member of AGA and are interested in finding a chapter in your area, contact Jill Murphy.
Thank you for your support of AGA.
Why Do So Many Public Financial Executives Read GOVERNING'S Management E-mail Newsletter?
GOVERNING's online and print publication provides intelligence and analysis on management, policy and politics to states and localities. GOVERNING's twice-monthly Management e-mail newsletter delivers exclusive features including the B&G Report by management experts Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene, and columns by government finance and benefits expert Girard Miller and government management consultant/author Ken Miller. Sign up to receive GOVERNING's Management e-mail newsletter now.
Webinar Set on Integrating Community Indicators and Performance Measures
The Community Indicators Consortium is hosting a webinar, set for 2 – 3 p.m. EDT Dec. 1 titled, Integrating Community Indicators and Performance Measures: An Elected Official's Perspective. Jay Fountain, an elected council member for the city of Stamford, CT, will speak. Fountain has a distinguished career serving the public including as a finance director and deputy executive director for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). During his long tenure with GASB, he provided advice and technical assistance across the country in implementing performance reporting based on GASB's guidelines. These guidelines emphasize providing accountability for government's performance to its citizens. Other participants that were involved have been invited to join the webinar.
This webinar offers an opportunity for government officials and others to learn more about the linkage between jurisdiction's performance measurement systems and community priorities or indicators. Critical to a successful integration is the engagement of the public and the leadership and support of public officials. Register now.
Citizen-Centric Reports A Tool for Transparency
Has your community recently elected new officials who are interested in providing more transparency to the citizens? AGA's Citizen-Centric Reporting initiative can help your elected officials inform constituents on how tax dollars, grants and other revenue is being spent.
Other AGA links
Bring AGA-Sponsored Training Courses to Your Organization
Register for AGA's 10th Annual National Leadership Conference, Feb. 16–17, 2012, Washington, D.C.
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© 2011 Association of Government Accountants