Tyler Earns City Council of the Year Honors
Posted/updated on: July 24, 2014 at 12:17 pm
TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday was presented the City Council of the Year Award from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). According to a city news release, the honor was based on continued commitment to ethics, prudent financial management, support for employee professional development, focus on positive community relations, and unique community initiatives. A few examples noted include a new city ethics policy, one of the lowest tax rates in the state, establishment of a comprehensive citywide Lean Six Sigma program, a AAA bond rating, zero general obligation debt, a robust city education program called City University, and the Industry Growth Initiative.
“The Tyler City Council members have tremendous respect for each other, which can be seen in their interactions at council meetings,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “When agenda items are discussed, support is shown by allowing the council member whose district is affected the most to take the lead. It is a pleasure to work with council members who work so well together in the best interest of our community.”
Officials say the city has a long history of innovative management. According to the release, the foundation was established in 1997, when the city adopted the “Blueprint” Business Model to express its core values and commitment to continuous improvement in the way the city conducts business and delivers services.
Tyler’s City Council launched its Lean Six Sigma Program in 2009 with the hiring of a Master Black Belt. Since that time the program has been expanded to include most city departments. According to the release, Lean Six Sigma is a strategic business methodology that combines two powerful approaches that focus on customer satisfaction, cost, quality, process speed, and the elimination of waste and variation in processes. To date, the City has saved more than $5 million through this program. “Without the trust and support of our Tyler City Council none of these accomplishments would have been possible,” said McDaniel.
