Public feedback helps shape DNRP performance measurement effort

Feedback from community leaders and partner organizations is helping shape the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks' (DNRP) new performance measurement Web site.

The Web site, www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/measures/, is a companion to the King County's new "Annual Indicator and Measures" Web site.

"For several years, DNRP has successfully used performance information to improve service delivery and program effectiveness, and maintain accountability to the public," said Theresa Jennings, DNRP Director.

"Now, thanks to the many comments that we've received through direct mailings and presentations to partnering public agencies and non-profit groups, we're improving the public presentation of that performance information in a way that better describes how the agency is doing its job."

Richard Gelb, DNRP Performance Measurement lead, said public review of the DNRP KingStat Web site included presentations to several partner organizations and direct mailing to almost 800 stakeholders, including cities, state agencies, special districts, nonprofit environmental groups and community organizations.

The county's outreach efforts resulted in several changes to the final product.

"For example, the King Conservation District suggested better ways of measuring improvements in agricultural production, and new approaches to tracking the results of salmon recovery investments," Gelb said.

The King County AIMs High Web site, www.metrokc.gov/aimshigh/index.asp, provides an overview of a range of social, economic and environmental indicators of King County conditions and performance results for all executive-level departments.

DNRP's KingStat Web site provides a more detailed perspective on environmental conditions in King County and the degree to which DNRP is meeting its performance targets.

"The initial public feedback of our KingStat Web site has been strongly positive, particularly when it comes to site navigation, and the ease of use of maps and charts," Gelb said.

DNRP monitors and reports on the state of the region's natural environment and DNRP program impacts on environmental conditions. Measuring environmental indicators allows DNRP to track the status of those conditions, while performance measures show the degree to which the department has achieved specific targets.

DNRP's four main goals are environmental management, waste reduction and recycling, partnerships, and fiscal responsibility.

"We have also received constructive input that will help us better address audience needs and preferences for future outreach efforts," Gelb said.

In 2008, residents and partnering organizations can expect more specific information on the equity and fairness of service delivery, new perspectives on capital project performance, and improved information on environmental conditions trends in King County.

For more information on the DNRP performance measurement program, contact Gelb at 206-296-8374.