Toronto introduces four-point plan aimed at saving money and improving services
The City of Toronto announced yesterday the launch of a four-point plan designed to provide “innovative, streamlined and efficient” city services while also saving money.
Mayor John Tory, joined by Councillor Gary Crawford, Chair of the City’s Budget Committee, and Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair of the City’s Government Management Committee, presented the strategy today which entails;
1. Hiring a Chief Transformation Officer for the City of Toronto
The new role (CTO) will oversee high priority, high impact, corporate-wide business transformation.
2. A modernized customer service strategy
The City will introduce a new service delivery model that offers more services on digital and online channels, optimizes phone and counter services, creates service hubs located inside corporate civic centres, and expands self serve and assisted service options for residents without a computer at home.
The initiative is projected to save the city approximately $8 million annually starting in 2021.
3. Modernized offices designed to use city space more efficiently
Currently in its pilot phase, this initiative would provide “modern and collaborative workspaces, improve staff engagement and productivity”, and reduce the City’s office footprint and real estate costs.
Once implemented, cost savings are estimated at approximately $4 to $6 million annually.
4. Maximizing the value and use of City land and property assets
The City has already engaged a third-party expert to review its real estate operating model, and the subsequent report to City Council approved by council on July, 12 2016, will see real estate entities consolidated and the service delivery model centralized.
Estimates peg savings from the centralized operating model at five to 10 per cent (or $30 to $60 million) of its $600-million cumulative annual operating budget.