While the tools and techniques for improving systems are critical, they are secondary to the belief that programs and systems have the capacity to improve. People simply will not look for opportunities to improve if they do not believe there is room to significantly enhance performance. Believing we can improve allows us to begin looking at our systems differently, to be continually curious and to have the courage to challenge long-standing assumptions. A commitment to this paradigm frees our minds to see what others do not and to achieve what many may say is impossible.

Every system has opportunities for improvement, but all improvement opportunities are not equal. The GOMB philosophy begins with determining which system improvements will have the greatest impact and then doing those things. Not all good ideas are the best ideas and learning how to focus limited resources on the few things that will have the highest impact is the game changer. Focusing our efforts on root causes, high-leverage activities and true constraints means taking time up front to do the right kind of analysis and exercising the discipline to stop doing the sometimes endless list of things that wrongfully consume scarce resources.

We believe that government owes the taxpayer and customer tangible results for every dollar invested. It is not sufficient to simply assert that our efforts will “streamline,” “align” or “coordinate” services. We must show that our efforts have an actual impact to the bottom line. Specifically, we must show that our services are measurably better, faster and cheaper because of our efforts. At GOMB, we insist that performance is measured against a clear baseline, that measures are simple and transparent, and that we can demonstrate progress. All of government’s work–planning, studying, implementing, and assisting must make a tangible difference for the people we serve.

Government, like all organizations, has an inherent appetite to expand. Without the constraints of the marketplace, its natural tendency to grow must be contained through accountability, fiscal discipline and a healthy respect for the pocket books of taxpayers. We believe that government needs to be accountable to the public by improving internally and changing how we do business before defaulting to increased spending. Just like individuals and families, government must live within its means–spending only what it can afford. This means practicing fiscal discipline, limiting borrowing and saving a prudent amount to be used during tough times. It also means allowing the private sector to thrive in order to fuel the economy, create jobs and foster innovation.

Every dollar invested should yield the greatest benefit for our customers. This requires that, as much as possible, we invest in strategies and programs that have proven results. Integrating evidence-based practices into government programs and operations will help us obtain the best possible outcomes for our customers. GOMB believes in the continual and rigorous evaluation of government programs to ensure that investments yield the anticipated result. This rigor extends to the evaluation of budget requests, automation efforts and policy recommendations.

Open communication and transparency are prerequisites for sustainable improvement. GOMB is committed to sharing practical and concise reporting tools to capture the state’s performance and inform policy makers on key policy and budgetary issues. We recognize agencies that excel and individual employee efforts to improve. Because knowledge is power, we use multiple vehicles to disseminate the concepts, tools and information that will enable workers to make individual contributions to improve performance.

People, not methodologies or tools, ultimately make the difference. All levels of an organization–from leadership to those in the trenches–play a critical role in the process of improvement. Each has unique insights and experiences to help shape the strategies and tactics that yield results. Empowering people with the knowledge and framework to contribute and improve their work is the ultimate catalyst for change. We believe in creating environments where people can take informed risks, learn continually, contribute and be accountable. Organizational performance is an issue of culture and commitment as much as it is about tools and techniques. Change isn’t easy and hinges on people who are committed more to progress than to their own comfort zone.

While the state has completed Governor Herbert’s 25 percent improvement target, the process of improving is never complete. Achieving a target helps us unify our efforts and focus our time and resources. However, once the target is achieved, there is an ongoing opportunity to improve performance and set new targets. With never-ending changes in policy, technology, demand and even our own knowledge, the opportunity to improve always exists. No system, program, or practice is perfect and it is GOMB’s responsibility to continually discover how to make government better.

Utah’s future prosperity largely depends on the actions we take today. Understanding and planning for those issues that will shape Utah’s future prosperity is an integral part of GOMB’s budgeting and policy platform. How well we understand and plan around issues like the demand on our natural resources, trends in our population and economy, infrastructure needs and the adequacy of different revenue streams will significantly impact the quality of today’s decision making and consequently the quality of life for generations to come. GOMB is committed to providing the Governor and key stakeholders with relevant and actionable information to help inform the decision-making process. Our goal is to translate data into information and problems into solutions. Using, meticulous modeling, rigorous data analysis and staff expertise, we produce accurate and reliable information in which the Governor and the general public can put their trust. Equally important, we are proactive in identifying key issues and trends so Utah can prepare for the future rather than react to it.