Welcome Message
As your County Commissioners, we are pleased to present this transparency feature of our Website.
NEWS & EVENTS
Transparent Jeffco
Read what others are saying about the vision and direction of Jefferson County.
JEFFCO BLOG
Data Search Tool
Overview
Transparent Jeffco is open government. As we move toward a more accessible and citizen-centric government that fosters communication, accountability and trust, it is crucial that government and citizens work together in shaping the future of the county.
There are four key accountability components or categories that address citizen needs; all are necessary to achieve a truly open government:
Transparent Jeffco will continue to evolve as more citizen input is received. Get involved through the Citizen Connection or contact us @ transparentjeffco@jeffco.us.
The Four Components of Citizen Value
Want to know more about how your county is run and how decisions that affect your life are made and carried out? Your county government is accountable to you, and accountability means that promises are delivered, on time and within budget. Our actions are based on the alignment of county priorities with those of citizens.
Transparent Jeffco will provide information on the strategic outlook and policy direction, explain plans to sustain a high-performing and efficient organization, and how Jeffco plans to maintain fiscal health and wellness based on evolving performance measures. It will help you gain an understanding of how Jeffco leadership makes decisions and how these decisions will impact the future vision for Jeffco.
Operating capital comes directly from you, the citizen, through taxes and fees paid for services provided. Whether it is to pay bills, maintain and create services or pay salaries for snowplow drivers or sheriff's deputies - it is your money. This means you have a right to know how it is being handled and where it's spent.
Transparent Jeffco will be a tool to provide information on revenues, expenditures, financial reports, budget reports, legal notices and other financial data.
Communication
Communication is key to citizen involvement and is one of the most important components of a transparent and open government. We believe citizens cannot influence change or make improvements if they are not informed. Trust and confidence is only earned through effective communication.
In the coming months, Transparent Jeffco will provide publications, vendor and contracting information, interactive services, compliance reports, certifications and awards.
Visit Citizen Connection to access our survey, blog, and the public meetings calendar to find ways to communicate.
Look for the Connecting with Citizens icon to find additional ways to communicate.
Results
The final component of Citizen Value is, of course, Results. What has Jeffco accomplished? How do those accomplishments affect you? It's not enough to define goals - they need to be accomplished.
Recently, one of Jeffco's primary goals was to develop greater efficiencies and understanding of the county budget. We challenged ourselves to solve the issues and came up with the budgeting and prioritization process. That process brought about a deep understanding of our priorities (as opposed to a strictly bottom-line focused approach) and helped cut costs in a more intelligent manner to achieve both revenue and service goals at the same time.
That work resulted in synchronized revenues and expenditures in the 2008 adopted budget. Jeffco leaders are extremely proud of this accomplishment and excited to share it with citizens.
In fact, Jeffco was the cover story of the June 2008 edition of Public Management Magazine, a publication of the International City & County Managers Association (ICMA).
Please note that much of this information is already available on the county's Web site at www.jeffco.us. However, in the spirit of transparency, this information will be presented in a more accessible and user friendly format.