Strategic Plan Successes

To the left of the image are 3 scenic images showing the skyline, the el paso county seal in the middle, and to the left the words El Paso County Colorado, Our Core Values

We have collaboratively updated the El Paso County Strategic Plan, creating a flexible framework that adapts to community drivers. This strategic plan serves as our primary guide for consistent decision-making.

Accountability is fundamental to our strategic plan. It features a dashboard of performance indicators and measures to ensure we remain on track and accountable. Our success is gauged by our progress, and we are committed to working together toward this goal.

Our core principles and values tell the story of El Paso County as a whole, our employees, and our community. We are proud of who we are and honored to serve our community with excellence.

OBJECTIVE SUCCESSES

INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTIVE

Objective

Assess the condition of roadway, stormwater, facility, fleet, and park assets and implement strategies to sustainably fund, manage, and improve public-owned infrastructure.

“This initiative is a testament to our Core Value of transparency. With the baseline assessments we now have, we’re positioned to make data-informed decisions that will support our citizens now and, in the years, to come.” – Sunny Bryant

Infrastructure Successes

  1. Complete a comprehensive inventory and condition assessment of public-owned infrastructure including Parks, Facilities, Fleet, Stormwater, and Roads.
    • Detailed Accomplishments:
      1. Completed a comprehensive inventory of public-owned infrastructure, significantly improving the management and maintenance of Parks, Facilities, Fleet, Stormwater, and Roads.
      2. Completed a comprehensive condition assessment of Roads, Fleet, and Facilities and identified gaps in condition assessment for Stormwater and Parks. Developing a plan to address gaps for Stormwater and Parks.
      3. Continue to assess data from inventory and condition assessments and improve the quality of data as possible.
  2. Implement a Comprehensive Asset Management Program.
    • Detailed Accomplishments:
      1. Finalizing an Asset Management Policy to direct and empower County staff to perform and participate in Asset Management best practices, improvements, and ongoing support.
      2. Will use the Asset Management Policy as a guideline to help develop the overall Asset Management Program.
  3. Develop Infrastructure Asset Management Plans for each of the five major asset classes.
    • Detailed Accomplishments:
      1. Finalizing a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) to discuss countywide assets.
      2. Finalizing a Tactical Asset Management Plan (TAMP) for each of the five major asset categories.
      3. Identifying gaps in data and developing plans to address those gaps.
  4. Define a multi-year financial strategy to determine how multi-year capital plans and operations/maintenance costs drive annual budget appropriation schedules to meet stated service levels.
    • Detailed Accomplishments:
      1. Gathering Data received from the Strategic Asset Management Plan and the Tactical Asset Management Plans to identify recommended funding levels, recommended prioritization of asset types and conditions, and comparing that to available funds to determine the best financial strategy.
  5. Metrics and Impact
    • Include specific metrics or data points showing improvements or progress, such as the number of assets assessed, condition ratings, or improvements in maintenance schedules.

Infrastructure Awards

Public Works:​​

2023

  • Colorado Asphalt Paving Association (CAPA) – Best in Class – Asphalt Preservation Program.

2024

  • Colorado Asphalt Paving Association (CAPA) – Best in Class – Asphalt Preservation Program.
  • Colorado Asphalt Paving Association (CAPA) – Best in Class – Asphalt Overlay Program
  • National Association of Counties – Achievement Award – Local Road Safety Plan.
  • National Association of Counties – Achievement Award – DPW Connects Program.
  • National Association of Counties – Achievement Award – Workforce Development Program.

Community Services/ Parks:​

2023

  • National Association of County Park & Recreation Officials – Universal Accessibility Category – Trailability Program
  • National Association of Counties – Achievement Award – Trailability Program
  • Colorado Parks and Recreation Association – Columbine Award in Programming – Trailability Program
  • Office of Engagement – Team Award for Garden to Kitchen Program – Michael Lucero and Iren Shonle
  • Colorado Association of 4H Agents – Excellence in Teamwork Award for the State 4-H Horse Work Team
  • Colorado Association of 4H Agents – Meritorious Service Award – Jonathan Vrabec
  • Colorado Association of 4H Agents – Communicator Award- Emily Green, Jen Loewen, Shawna Lamothe

2024

  • National Association of Counties – Achievement Award – Kite Festival
  • National Association of County Park & Recreation Officials – Universal Accessibility Category – Bear Creek Nature Center’s Visually Impaired Person (VIP) Trail
  • Visit Colorado Springs Excellence in Inclusion Award – Trailability, VIP, and all!
  • Trails and Open Space Coalition Trail Inclusivity Champion Award – Trailability, VIP, and all!
  • Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs – Summit Awards: First Place – Fair Flyer
  • Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs – Summit Awards: First Place – Fair Photo Person/Animal
  • Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs – Summit Awards: First Place – Fair Photo Other
  • Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs – Summit Awards: Second Place – Fair Guide
  • International Association of Fair and Events – Fairs under 100,000: First Place: Hall of Honors Communications Award – Social Media (Sensory Day)
  • International Association of Fair and Events – Fairs under 100,000: Second Place: Non-Fair Facility Usage Award Event Designed to Educate (Traffic Safety Event in partnership with Calhan School)
  • International Association of Fair and Events – Fairs under 100,000: Third Place: Innovation in Sponsorship Award – Sponsor Exposure (Ed Green Construction)
  • International Association of Fair and Events – Fairs under 100,000: Second Place: Innovation in Sponsorship Award – Community Impact (Autism Society of Colorado/Sensory Day)

SERVICE QUALITY OBJECTIVE

Objective

Improve the quality of county services with a qualified and engaged workforce dedicated to continuous improvement.

“Our commitment aligns with El Paso County’s Strategic Plan, focusing on the cornerstone of our mission: to improve the quality of County services with a qualified and engaged workforce dedicated to continuous improvement.” – Stacie Kwiteck

Service Quality Successes

Detailed Accomplishments:

  • Innovation Awards and Solution Box: Recognized and implemented solution box leading to process improvements and increased efficiency. Developed and ready to launch the Innovation Awards program to recognize innovative ideas and process to also improve efficiency.
  • Employee Benefits Survey: Conducted a comprehensive survey to understand employee needs, resulting in informed changes to benefits packages and enhanced employee satisfaction.
  • Onboarding Toolkit: Developed a robust toolkit to streamline the onboarding process, ensuring new employees integrate smoothly and quickly into their roles.
  • 30/60/90 Day Surveys: Implemented surveys to gather feedback from new employees at key intervals, enabling continuous improvement in onboarding practices.

Metrics and Impact:

  • Highlight specific outcomes from these initiatives, such as improved employee satisfaction scores, reduction in onboarding time, or increased retention rates.

Service Quality Awards

Justice Services

2023

  • NACo – El Paso County Community Corrections Video Victim Impact Statement Project

COMMUNITY TRUST OBJECTIVE

Objective

Strengthen community trust through improved communications and transparency.

“A cornerstone achievement was the creation of dual platforms for our Strategic Plan Framework – an internal portal for employees and an external site accessible through the County website. This dual approach ensures that both our team and the public are well-informed and engaged with our strategic initiatives.” -Crystal LaTier

Community Trust Successes

Detailed Accomplishments:

  • EPIC Group Formation: Created a collaborative group of Public Information Officers to unify communication strategies across departments, enhancing consistency and transparency.
  • Communications Strategy: Developed a comprehensive strategy document to guide external communications, ensuring clear and effective messaging to the public.
  • Best Practices Data Collection Matrix: Established a framework for data collection, informing strategic planning and improving operational transparency.
  • Public-Facing Dashboard: Initiated planning and design for a dashboard to provide residents with real-time information on key metrics, fostering greater transparency and trust.
  • County Fair Satisfaction Survey: Conducted a survey to gauge public satisfaction, using the feedback to refine future events and services.
  • Four Factors of Trust Research and Application: Conducted extensive research to identify and refine the four factors of trust—civility, transparency, capability, and reliability. This framework has been integrated into key county programs and initiatives, including the refinement of Citizen College, Citizen Connect, Online County Services, and the planning of a new ambassador program, ensuring these values guide interactions and services provided to residents.

Metrics and Impact:

  • Provide specific data points or success stories, such as survey response rates, improvements in public perception, or specific changes implemented based on feedback.

Community Trust Awards

Communications:

2024

  • 3CMA Award of Excellence – PACT ACT Claims Clinic Communications Plan.

2023

  • NACIO Best in Category – Beyond the Dais Podcast
  • NACIO Superior Performance – ARPA Webpage
  • NACIO – Connections Employee Newsletter
  • 3CMA Silver Circle Award – Beyond the Dais Podcast
  • 3CMA Award of Excellence – The Courier
  • 2023 NACo – Communications Department, Digital Strategy & Technology, and Government Affairs: Citizen Connect Public Engagement Program

Financial Services:​

2024

  • GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award – El Paso County’s 2024 Budget Book. ​
  • GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award – EPC Public Health’s 2024 Budget Book. ​
  • NACo’s Best in Category for Financial Management Award – Digital transparency dashboard created for ARPA funding.

Human Services

2023

  • NACo – Post-TANF Program
  • NACo – AND Navigator Program
  • NACo – Community Navigators and Public Health: Expanding the Impact of Resource Navigation Through Community Connection

Veterans Services

2023

  • NACo – Veterans Services Division: PACT Act Stand Down
  • NACo – Appeal Specialist and Virtual Hearing Office

HEALTH AND SAFETY OBJECTIVE

Objective

Foster partnerships to support community efforts to improve health and safety.

“With the aid of our public-facing dashboard, we plan to unify these initiatives. This will allow our citizens to gain a comprehensive understanding of what we are working towards, and it will illuminate the broader picture of our efforts.” – Pete Carey

Health and Safety Successes

Detailed Accomplishments:

  • Focused efforts on better collecting and understanding county-wide efforts within health and safety initiatives across the County.

Health and Safety Awards

Planning

2024

  • Code Enforcement Officials (CACEO) Juan Eagle Award