FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/22/2013
Councilmember Jean Godden
Council Committee advances Seattle Public Utilities Strategic Business Plan
This morning the Seattle City Council’s Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee (LUC) unanimously passed Resolution 31429 which establishes a Strategic Business Plan for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).
“I strongly believe that we need to keep rates affordable and balance that with delivering quality services. The Strategic Plan will accomplish both of these goals and I’m looking forward to initiating this process,” said Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee Chair, Councilmember Jean Godden.
Similar to the plan created by Seattle City Light in 2012, the SPU Strategic Plan will provide oversight and guidance for its lines of business: water, drainage, wastewater and solid waste services. The goal is to ensure the utility’s services reflect customer values, provide rate predictability and result in the best value for customer dollars.
The Resolution also establishes a Customer Review Panel which will oversee the strategic planning process and include residents’ voices in the process. The panel will be appointed during a future LUC Committee meeting.
“Seattle Public Utilities delivers services that the people of Seattle care about and value. The strategic plan process will clearly identify the direction SPU will take in carrying out these vital public services and implementing their strong commitment to the environment,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin. “It will ensure that we deliver those services in a thoughtful and systematic way, guaranteeing the best value for our ratepayers.”
The Resolution will be voted on by the Full Council on Monday, March 4.