County Mission, Vision and Values

September 2009

County Mission, Vision and Values

A Publication of the Research Division of NACo’s County Services Department Written by Christopher Markwood Research Intern September 2009

National Association of Counties

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About the National Association of Counties The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties. NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public’s understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org.

For more information about this publication or the programs included, please contact: National Association of Counties Research Division a Phone: 202.393-6226

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Web site: www.naco.org

County Mission, Vision and Values • September 2009

Although the constitution of each state outlines the scope of power and functions for counties within its borders, many county officials have found it useful to craft mission, vision, and values statements that set forth the purpose of their government’s work. Just like any business or organization, county officials and residents can benefit from written statements of mission, vision, and values as they can contribute to increased government efficiency and accountability. By setting forth these statements, county officials and employees are forced to take a serious look at the purpose of their work and how it impacts the greater community. A government whose staff and officials have an exciting and ambitious vision, coupled with strong values and a righteous mission, are more likely to provide quality services to the local community than a government that lacks focus and vision.

What makes a good mission, vision, or values statement? First, it is important to note the differences between these three statements. While mission and vision statements may sound similar, Hildy Gottlieb from the Community Driven Institute notes that the two are different in nature although they work hand-in-hand. A vision statement is a description of what is possible. It sees the potential and describes the future that the organization intends to create—while also being realistic. A mission statement is a description of the work that will be done in order to accomplish that vision. Lastly, a values statement for an organization (or government) describes how they will go about performing their mission. A good values statement first looks to the outer community for the values that need to be present in order to accomplish its mission. It then looks within the organization to see how their own work will reflect those crucial values. Dr. Cynthia Scott, a noted authority on strategic planning, organizational change, and workforce commitment, says that a mission, vision, or values statement should “give you goose bumps. If it doesn’t,” she declares, “forget it.” Robert McLeod, former Administrator of Kent County, Delaware adds, “To have value, these statements must be concise and easily understood, rather than having a different meaning to each individual.”

Do these statements matter? While these statements sound useful in theory, their effectiveness relies upon the staff’s ability to understand the statements and have them at the core of their decision-

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making processes. Robert McLeod explains that, “Mission and Vision statements are important documents for elected officials, constituents, and staff. These statements are the bedrock of goals, objectives, and strategies for service delivery.” He adds that, “A principal use of these statements is up front in the annual budget document. The mission and vision are the basis for programs, capital projects, and operating expenditures.” For these statements to be useful and effective, county officials and staff must have them in mind when making important decisions that impact their community. If they are taken to heed, then government operations and decisions become easier and more efficient. Furthermore, the government must publically advertise and promote the statements to all elected officials, staff, and the public. Effective mission statements must be engag-

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ing so that they are noticed and understood. Hennepin County, Minnesota officials discovered the degree of employee and public interest in these matters when they began work on mission and vision statements. More than 1,600 county government employees offered their comments on the draft mission and vision statements. Citizens also participated actively in town meetings on the proposals before their final adoption by the Board. The active public engagement in these statements only strengthened the future importance that they will have in the organization and in the community. The rest of this brief highlights the mission, vision, and values statements of various counties throughout the country. As illustrated, these statements tend to differ based upon the size of the county and its geographic location.

County Mission, Vision and Values • September 2009

Sacramento County, CA The Sacramento County Government adopted the following vision, mission, and values statements to lay the foundation of the services it provides.

Vision

ƒ To be the most livable community with the highest quality of public service

Mission

ƒ Improve quality of life in the community ƒ Promote individual responsibility & achievement ƒ Protect one another & the environment we share ƒ Provide innovative & cooperative quality customer service ƒ Recognize & seize opportunities for improvement ƒ Stimulate economic growth & regional cooperation

Values ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Trust Dignity and respect for the individual Customer service Partnership Empowerment Continuous improvement Personal and professional growth Respect for cultural and ethnic diversity

Hennepin County, MN Vision We envision a future where residents are healthy and successful and where our communities are safe and vibrant. We will strive to meet and exceed expectations by engaging people and communities in developing

National Association of Counties

innovative solutions to challenges. We will be a diverse, learning organization. We will partner with others to enhance the quality of life in Hennepin County and the region.

Mission The mission of Hennepin County is to enhance the health, safety and quality of life of our residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way.

Goals People are: ƒ Healthy. People are healthy, have access to quality health care and live in a clean environment. ƒ Protected and Safe. People are safe from harm through prevention, early intervention and treatment services, and through enhanced public safety. ƒ Self-reliant. People achieve success with the support of essential services, have access to affordable housing and opportunities for life-long learning. ƒ Assured Due Process. People are assured equal protection of the laws through an adversarial and respectful system designed to assure fairness and reliability in the ascertainment of liability, guilt and innocence. ƒ Mobile. People and goods move easily and safely throughout the county and the region, via an integrated system of transportation.

New Kent County, VA Mission We will provide the citizens of New Kent County with the highest quality services in a professional, efficient and fiscally-responsible manner.

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Vision New Kent County will remain a distinctive community for our citizens – celebrating our heritage, welcoming visitors, business & industry, and preserving our rural character & quality of life.

Values

ƒ Citizens – We value the opinions and perspectives of our citizens and dedicate our services and operations to fully meet their needs and exceed their expectations. ƒ Quality of Life – We will enhance the quality of life through a commitment to balanced growth that protects the environment and preserves our rural integrity. ƒ Employees – We recognize our employees are key to the success of the County. We respect and encourage their ideas and will provide the resources and support needed to serve the public. ƒ Continuous Improvement – We embrace change, creativity and new initiatives that will improve the services we provide our citizens and customers. ƒ Leadership – We strive to produce positive outcomes for the community and serve as a model for other counties. ƒ Professionalism – We pledge to serve the public and support each other in a professional manner to ensure a healthy and productive organization.

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Henrico County, VA Mission In partnership with our citizens, Henrico County Government is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. As a nationally acclaimed local government, the County accepts the challenges of our changing social, physical and economic environments by serving in an efficient manner, with pride and concern for the present and excitement for the future. We value diversity and strive to meet the needs of our ever-changing community. Our differences enhance our performance; through individual contributions, involvement and creativity, the quality and effectiveness of our government are strengthened. By working together and learning from each other, we reach common goals and fulfill our responsibilities.

Values

ƒ We are dedicated to providing our citizens responsible government, characterized by integrity and accountability. We will provide service in a professional manner with sensitivity to the needs of all people and our environment. ƒ We are committed to the concept that the public, as our customers, deserves honest consideration, professional conduct and respect regarding all government activities. ƒ We believe that our reputation for integrity, credibility and sensitivity to employee and citizen needs is a key asset. ƒ We recognize that our employees are a valuable resource to be treated with equality, fairness and justice. ƒ We believe that accountability and responsibility in handling the public’s property and money are essential.

County Mission, Vision and Values • September 2009

Kane County, IL Mission

Guiding Principles ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Sense of Pride Aim for Excellence Respect for Others Response to Change Fiscal Responsibility Community Service

The Mission of Kane County Government is to be accountable to its citizens in providing innovative and high quality government services in an economical, fair, professional, and courteous manner to enhance and protect the health, welfare, and safety of those who live and work in Kane County.

County of Santa Clara, CA

Vision

Mission

Kane County is committed to: ƒ Being an innovative and strategic leader in providing essential and effective public services in a fiscally prudent manner; ƒ Being good stewards of the natural and economic resources that make up our unique urban and rural communities; Adapting to and providing governmental services to a growing and diverse population; ƒ Promoting an environment that advocates health, welfare and safety; ƒ Encouraging and valuing citizen communication, input, and involvement in governing so that residents are proud to call Kane County “home”.

Dakota County, MN Mission The mission of the Dakota County government is to provide efficient, effective, responsive government that achieves the Board of Commissioners’ vision for Dakota County: a premier place in which to live and work.

San Louis Obispo County, CA Mission The County’s elected representatives and employees are committed to serve the community with pride to enhance the economic, environmental and social quality of life in San Luis Obispo County.

National Association of Counties

The mission of the County of Santa Clara is to build and maintain a healthy and safe community for our residents.

Core Values ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Ethical conduct Honesty and integrity Respect for the individual Fiscal responsibility A good work ethic that demonstrates individual responsibility, accountability and productivity ƒ A commitment to public service ƒ Diversity and cultural awareness

Renville County, MN Vision Statement I: Growth and Economic Vitality In Renville County, land will be utilized, employment opportunities developed, public investment made, and natural resources managed in ways that encourage growth that will be economically and environmentally viable over the long-term. The vision of growth and economic vitality includes: ƒ A diversified economy ƒ An increase in population ƒ Energizing Agriculture ƒ Prudence in new public investment ƒ Responsible use of land

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Vision Statement II: Community

Vision Statement III: Unique Character

In Renville County, citizens will take pride in calling the entire County their community, one where each city is a unique County “neighborhood,” where there are strong physical and perceptual connections between places and people, and where people take care of each other.

In Renville County, the scenic beauty, natural and historic resources, and tremendous recreational opportunity that are particularly, but not only, associated with the Minnesota

The vision of community includes: ƒ Preservation of the small town, rural quality of life ƒ Support for community development ƒ Good connections between people and places ƒ Sustaining of families ƒ Providing for a growing elderly population ƒ Involvement of migrant and other new resident families as part of the County community

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River Valley, will be understood, treasured, and protected; the potential of these special attributes for tourism, as well as for enjoyment by County citizens, will be fully realized. The vision of unique character includes: ƒ Protected and improved water quality ƒ Defined and developed recreational and other visitor destinations ƒ Trail development ƒ Development of the potential Minnesota River Scenic Byway ƒ Coordination of recreational and tourism development ƒ Marketing of county resources

County Mission, Vision and Values • September 2009

In addition to the mission and vision statements formulated to govern the county board or the county’s strategic plan, these statements are also common and useful for the various departments within the government. The following gives examples of these statements from different departments in counties across the country.

Volusia County, FL— Sheriff’s Department Mission The primary mission of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is to provide a safe and secure environment for the residents and visitors of Volusia County through department programs and community policing efforts. This goal will only be accomplished through a mutually cooperative relationship between the Sheriff’s Office, the other Volusia County law enforcement agencies, and the community it serves. By working together, we can maintain the peace, provide safety and security for our citizens, and reduce crime and/or the fear of crime.

ery employee of the Sheriff’s Office, and the citizens of the County, all working together to maintain the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office as a trusted source for assistance. All Sheriff’s Office personnel will make every contact with the community a positive one, a contact that places us a step closer to a partnership with every resident they meet. Members will be courteous and helpful at all times.

Vision The foundation of this organization is defined by its employee’s honesty, moral standards, compassion, sincerity, and caring attitude. To accomplish this mission, the following pillars of character must be the basis for all our actions: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

The Sheriff’s Office will seek to understand and confront the underlying problems that lead to most calls for service. Through problem solving and community policing, the Sheriff’s Office will seek to significantly improve the quality of life for its citizens, and enhance the experience of visitors to Volusia County. To be successful in our mission, we require the commitment of the administration, ev-

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Collin County, TX— Sheriff’s Department Mission We, the men and women of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, believe that our fundamental duty is to serve and protect the citizens of Collin County with fairness, compassion, and respect. We demand excellence in the quality of our law enforcement, stressing professionalism, integrity, and timeliness, so that those we serve may feel secure. We provide equal enforcement and protection of the law without prejudice or favor. We promote the setting of goals in partnership with the community, and prioritize and address problems based on the concerns of the community. Committed to continuous improvement in law enforcement, we promote and utilize the most modern techniques available.

Boulder County, CO— Sheriff’s Department Mission We provide the citizens of Boulder County with effective and efficient public safety services. We deliver these services with character, competence, and open communication.

Values We value human life… We expect employees to perform their jobs in a manner which emphasizes the protection of life and minimizes the risk of unnecessary injury or death to any person. We value the principles of the constitutions of the United States and the State of Colorado

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We value the system of laws which governs us… We respect the dignity and rights of the individual. We are governed by a set of laws, not men; as such, we value the system of laws of the United States, the State of Colorado, and the County of Boulder. We recognize that our role as a member of the Executive Branch of government is to uphold the Constitution and laws. We value the communities we serve… We believe that the purpose of our organizational existence is to serve our communities. We must be open and responsive to changing conditions and needs, and recognize and respect diversity. We believe it is our responsibility to keep the peace not only by enforcing the law, but also by working with communities to reduce problems by identifying and addressing causes. We believe that community and problem oriented policing is an ongoing process, and not a program with a beginning and an end. We value the person… We value the diversity of the individual which stems from differences in race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, handicap, or socio-economic status. We will treat all individuals with courtesy, respect, and dignity. We value organizational excellence… We value a working environment in which individuals working as a team strive for superior professional performance focused towards achieving the organizational mission and goals. We value the strength of personal character in our employees… We value open and honest communicators who display high moral and ethical conduct, integrity, adaptability, and sound judgment. We believe each employee must be a leader in the department and community. We expect employees to be result-oriented problem solvers who are responsible and accountable.

County Mission, Vision and Values • September 2009

Fairfax County, VA— Administration for Human Services Mission To promote excellence in human services delivery by providing quality administrative, consultative, and management services for the benefit of the community.

Vision We envision a collaborative working environment where employees are leaders and coaches, proactive and committed to self-improvement, and where excellence in service delivery is paramount. We want our partners, who include co-workers, other departments, and the community, to place their trust in the quality of our services.

Suffolk County, NY— Department of Health Services Mission The mission of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is to educate and work with the public in a cooperative manner to promote health and wellness in order to prevent disease, to protect the public’s health, safety and environment, both proactively and reactively by utilizing best practices, and to actively provide high quality, equitable, and affordable health services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

satellite clinics strategically located throughout Suffolk County as well as a state of the art skilled nursing facility.

Alamance County, NC— Department of Social Services Mission The Alamance County Department of Social Services is a committed partner within our community in providing hope, encouragement and responsive services to our customers. In support of our Mission Statement, we strive to: ƒ Provide opportunities that promote sustained prosperity and independence, ƒ enhance self-reliance by working for the success of ourcustomers and community, ƒ create an environment where our employees can learn, ƒ grow and be fulfilled, ƒ increase prevention efforts and protect the vulnerable, ƒ and deliver services in a cost-effective manner.

Vision It is our Vision to partner with individuals and families in achieving prosperity, permanence and safety.

The Department of Health Services acts to improve and safeguard the general health of the people of Suffolk County through its emphasis on preventive health services and its special attention to health education. The Department focuses on prevention of health problems through education, medical services and enforcement of State and local health codes. Our Health Center Network has eight family health centers and three

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For your notes:

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County Mission, Vision and Values • September 2009

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