2014 MPI-Schott-BA155MPI
SELF-APPRAISAL GUIDE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
DIRECTIONS: Apply a rating of 0 to 3, as defined below, to indicate how well you
think the statement applies to your city.
(0) Disagree: My city does not do this.
(1) Disagree somewhat: My city does this only on a very limited
basis.
(2) Agree somewhat: My city does this partially, or in some areas.
(3) Agree: My city does this.
______
1. My city council sets clear goals and priorities for the year ahead.
______
2. My city council clearly communicates its goals and priorities
throughout the organization.
______
3. My city council regularly reviews the status of implementing
goals and objectives.
______
4. The public is adequately informed about council goals and
priorities.
______
5. Council policy decisions are disseminated and explained to all
affected personnel throughout the organization.
______
6. Ethical standards are well understood and followed
throughout the organization.
______
7. Citizens have convenient access to elected officials to provide
input on policy decisions.
______
8. My city has a standard process for handling citizen requests and
complaints.
______
9. My city council gives adequate consideration to staff
recommendations.
______
10.My city council has the capacity and willingness to make hard
choices and politically unpopular decisions when required or
necessary.
______
11. Citizen surveys are conducted on a regular basis.
______
12. My city sponsors programs to encourage citizens to be active
in public issues.
2014 MPI-Schott-BA155MPI
______
13. My city promotes the social, cultural and demographic diversity
of its residents.
______
14. Employees have the opportunity to participate in setting
objectives and performance requirements for their work groups.
______
15. Performance evaluations of city employees are conducted
on a regular basis.
______
16. Training programs have been set up to enhance employees'
job skills.
______
17. My city has a comprehensive safety program for its employees.
______
18. City employees are encouraged to be creative and innovative.
______
19. Job descriptions are regularly reviewed and updated as
necessary.
______
20. My city has written purchasing policies.
______
21. My city has a long-range plan that identifies community needs
and meet service demands in the future.
______
22. Our existing technological capacities are regularly
evaluated and upgraded as needed.
______
23. Our city has an up-to-date equipment and asset replacement
plan.
______
24. My city council is supportive of economic development activities
that are beneficial to the entire community.
______
25. City personnel policies are regularly reviewed to make sure
they are current and legal.
______
26. My city council clearly understands the city's financial
condition and makes sound budgetary decisions.
______
27. My city council avoids unbudgeted appropriations.
______
28. My city has a multi-year Capital Improvements Program.
______
29. City officials in my community meet regularly with
officials from other local governments.
2014 MPI-Schott-BA155MPI
______
30. My city council gives careful consideration to recommendations
from citizen boards or committees.
______
31. My city uses methods to measure the performance of city
activities and programs.
______
32. Elected officials from my city attend training programs and
seminars.
______
33. City staff provides regular reports to council regarding city
activities and projects.
______
34. My city's elected officials are not disrespectful to each other
______
35. Council and staff treat each other with mutual respect and
courtesy.
______
36. City council has procedures for involving the community
in key projects and activities.
______
37. Before reaching a decision of importance, my council
usually requests input from persons likely to be affected
by their decision.
______
38. All council members carefully review council materials prior to
meetings.
______
39. My city council takes action on items before they become
urgent or critical.
______
40. My city council often discusses where the city should be
in the future.
2014 MPI-Schott-BA155MPI
SELF-APPRAISAL GUIDE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
SCORING GUIDE
Add up the scores of all 40 questions. If your total score is:
Above 100: Your city meets the criteria for effectiveness.
80 - 100:
Your city meets many of the criteria for effectiveness.
40 - 80:
Your city meets some of the criteria for effectiveness.
Below 40:
Your city needs to significantly improve its effectiveness.