Accountability and Responsibility to the Public

1. Commitment to Accountability

The City of San Antonio should be dedicated to holding its officials and employees accountable for their actions and decisions. This policy emphasizes ethical behavior, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of the public.

2. Ethical Standards

• Code of Conduct: All city officials and employees must adhere to the established Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical behavior, conflicts of interest, and professional integrity.
• Training: Regular training sessions on ethics, accountability, and public service responsibilities will be provided to ensure compliance and awareness.

3. Responsibility to the Public

• Public Service Commitment: All city employees and officials will prioritize the needs of residents, ensuring that services are delivered fairly, efficiently, and effectively.
• Decision-Making: Decisions made by city officials must be based on objective criteria and made in the best interest of the community, with due consideration of public input.

4. Performance Metrics

• Goal Setting: Each department will establish clear, measurable goals aligned with community needs and city priorities, promoting accountability in performance.
• Regular Reporting: Departments will provide regular reports on progress toward goals and outcomes to the city council and the public.

5. Community Engagement

• Public Involvement: The city will actively seek public input on policies, programs, and services, ensuring that resident voices are heard in the decision-making process.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Various channels, such as surveys, public forums, and a dedicated online platform, will be used to gather resident feedback on city operations and services.

6. Complaint and Grievance Process

• Accessible Reporting: The city will provide an accessible process for residents to report concerns, grievances, or misconduct related to city officials or services.
• Timely Response: All complaints will be acknowledged within five business days and investigated promptly, with outcomes communicated to the complainants.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Oversight Committee: An oversight committee will be established to monitor compliance with this policy and recommend improvements.
• Annual Review: This policy will be reviewed annually, with adjustments made based on community feedback and evolving best practices.

8. Enforcement and Consequences

• Accountability Measures: Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions, including reprimands, suspensions, or termination, depending on the severity of the breach.
• Public Reporting: Findings from investigations related to accountability issues will be reported publicly, reinforcing the city’s commitment to transparency and responsibility.