The local government management profession is built on the foundation of ethical principles and performance measurement. The ethical principles of social responsibility, transparency, and equity outlined in the ICMA Code of Ethics are embraced and promoted by professionals managing local governments across the world. More importantly, they are also widely accepted by those who choose to work in local government and are entrenched in the operations of our cities and counties.

The implementation of performance management across the globe is a great illustration of the commitment to ethical management by local government leaders. Performance data is essential to developing strategic plans, measuring progress toward goals, assessing policy alternatives, and making sound management decisions.  

Communicating data about the organization’s performance contributes to transparency. Setting clear and measurable performance targets based on data makes the often illusive notion of who is accountable for results concrete. Asking residents for feedback on key quality of life indicators and engaging them in the prioritization of services demonstrates respect for the democratic process. The rigorous assessment of what works and what doesn’t leads to evidenced-based decision making.

At the end of the day, local governments using a performance management approach to guide decisions uphold their commitment to be good stewards of public resources and to act on behalf of both the community of today and of the future.