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A culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary.
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Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods



“Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods” helps both The City of Calgary and community residents better understand what people love most about their neighbourhood, identify areas for improvement, and participate in solutions.

Twelve Calgary neighbourhoods were chosen for the project’s pilot. Small cross-functional teams of staff, from across the Community Services & Protective Services department, were formed and dedicated to work in each of the 12 neighbourhoods. Teams participated in “Community Walkabouts” with residents as a meaningful and effective way to think about what makes a neighbourhood great. City team members then help residents achieve desired results.

This kind of approach will influence and shape The City's programs, services and policies so they are more responsive to residents' needs, values and priorities. Understanding what residents love about their neighbourhood, and dream of for its future, will help The City will work across business units to target and coordinate a broad range of services to support the development of strong, vital neighbourhoods. Elements could include the development of green spaces, community programs, community buildings and gathering spaces, and creating services for vulnerable people.

Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods is an example of Transforming Government because citizens set the direction for their own neighbourhoods. City employees coordinate across business units and with partner agencies to support residents in implementing their visions. Ownership and pride create sustainable communities with residents who are engaged and empowered to develop strong neighbourhoods across the city.

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A culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary.
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What is Transforming Government?

Government exists to serve citizens. Every day, citizens are touched by The City of Calgary and the services it offers. Transforming Government is a culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary — improvement that makes life better for all citizens.

In 2011, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council unanimously agreed to embrace and reinforce this approach to constant improvement — Transforming Government is a way to do just that. So, when you see the Transforming Government stamp on something, you know it is part of something that makes Calgary even better.

A public work, an initiative, project, program or plan marked with Transforming Government reflects one or more of the following principles:

Transparency provides a clear view of exactly what’s going on “behind the scenes”, so citizens can understand why a project or service exists.

Accountability is the clear demonstration of how and why The City has done something, and that The City and Council accept responsibility for the decision, program or plan.

Civic Engagement is a commitment to bring together citizens, organizations, and City employees in the planning and development of our great city.

Innovation describes new ideas, services, or approaches that make living and working in Calgary even better.

Citizen Orientation ensures that a program, project or service is designed with customers or citizens in mind.

Sustainability describes long-term thinking that makes for a healthy community, environment, and economy, now and in the future.

Public Spaces

Customer Service

Transportation

Environmental