Push for accountability about finding value at city hall: Nickel

Hang around city hall long and you’re sure to hear Ward 11 Coun. Mike Nickel push the city on its “metrics, targets and outcomes.”

That constant refrain sometimes has council colleagues rolling their eyes. But after several recent audits questioned how accountable some parts of the organization have been, it feels particularly relevant.

Now his push is starting to get results. Every report includes a section where city officials are prompted to include their targets and how they measure up. Council’s executive committee is scheduled to debate how to do this more effectively Monday.

Nickel is neither the first nor is he the only councillor to push for transparency at city hall. But it’s become a trademark for him, seeking to use the tools of business and academia to reform the focus bureaucrats and politicians bring to each problem and how they can be held accountable.

He was on Postmedia’s interview show Edmonton Talk Back Wednesday to explain the push, where it comes from and which city branches he believes are doing this well.

Talk Back is an interview show hosted on Facebook Live to allow Edmonton residents to weigh in with their questions.

Council already sets a clear vision statement for the city (called Vision 2050 now). From that, council will develop a series of 10year plans.

“But that’s where we get lost,” said Nickel. “I worry about how to make those visions happen. If you’re not tracking it, if you’re not measuring, how do you know you’re getting value?”

One simple example is tracking the number of complaints from different contractors doing neighbourhood renewal, he said. Those need to be posted publicly to ensure residents are satisfied.

But that’s not happening, he said. “If you’re not counting that, at the end of the day you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.”

Edmonton has had several negative audits in the past few years — on its sand recycling program, waste-management system and recently on the current planning reserve — which each suggested a lack of accountability.

Up to five clear measurements for each area of work would help. That would create a transparent story residents could also check to understand how administration is tackling each issue.

It’s not about pinning blame because it will also show success, he said. “If we have a problem, it’s better to get it out now and adjust our strategy midstream.”

Of course, council must be careful with what it tracks to avoid unintended consequences. Benefits such as public health and residents’ sense of community can be difficult to measure.

“Are we going to get it right out of the gate? No. It’s going to take a little trial and error.”

But surveys and other methods can get at these intangibles, he said.

Find full interviews with other city councillors at edmontonjournal.com/tag/talk-back.