State website seeks ideas on efficiency and reform

State employees and citizens from across North Carolina are being encouraged to submit reform ideas to ncgear.nc.gov.  Links to the website can be found at several state government websites including www.nc.gov, www.governor.nc.gov and www.osbm.nc.gov.

“Since entering office, we have been committed to improving North Carolina’s opportunity, affordability and quality of life,” said Governor McCrory. “We want to draw on the expertise and experience of state employees and citizens to make state government even better and more customer-friendly. Feedback provided through this website can assist our administration, NC GEAR and the General Assembly in continuing the process of determining how government can work more efficiently and effectively for our citizens.”

Created by Governor McCrory and the General Assembly last year, NC GEAR is currently performing an evaluation of state government that will lead to a package of reforms to be presented early next year. The legislation gave NC GEAR the authority to evaluate “all executive branch departments, agencies, boards, commissions, authorities, and institutions in the executive branch of State government, including receipt-supported agencies and all non-State entities receiving State funds.”

“Department leaders have been very cooperative, but we also want to draw on the expertise of state employees at every level,” said NC GEAR Deputy Director Joe Coletti.  “State employees work in the trenches of state government every day. They know where improvements can be made and want to contribute to making the state’s services better.”

Over the past few months, the NC GEAR team has met with leaders across state government to identify opportunities to improve its efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.  State government departments and agencies are now completing a web-based assessment survey of their operations.

“The assessment survey is the cornerstone of the NC GEAR initiative,” said Coletti. “However, we recognize that good ideas can also come from outside state government.  That is why we are encouraging all interested citizens to go to our website and share their suggestions for improving state government services.”

All proposals will be reviewed by the NC GEAR analysts and consultants. The strongest concepts will be evaluated further and included in the final report to the governor and General Assembly next February.  Some proposals will be included in the governor’s budget. Others will be offered to the Legislature for its consideration.

The vision for NC GEAR extends beyond the next budget cycle,” continued Coletti. “North Carolina faces significant challenges that, if not dealt with now, will hamper our ability to address major priorities in the future. This project seeks sustainable change and long-term solutions.”

For more information on NC GEAR, contact Lee Teague at (919) 807-4712 or lee.teague@osbm.nc.gov.