Mayor Dave Cieslewicz recently unveiled the implementation of "Madison Measures," a program that mandates an annual report of city department benchmarks, or standards of success. The plan, according to Cieslewicz, will clarify the goals and results of Madison public services.

"It takes some effort to get something like this together," Andrew Statz, the mayor's fiscal efficiency auditor, said. "This is pretty esoteric stuff."

Statz, who is chiefly responsible for the program, said information was previously reported in "whatever format an agency wanted to do" due to a lack of preset standards.

Now, the new system aims to bring all the data together.

Under the new system, certain agencies will be asked to aim for certain standards of success or benchmarks. Additionally, some agencies, like the Madison Fire Department, have clear criteria to measure and determine success, while others have less clear measurements, Statz said.

The new plan also garnered support from local advocacy groups.

"We applaud the mayor's efforts to hold city government accountable to the taxpayers in delivering quality services at reasonable prices," Madison Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Alexander said in a statement.

These sentiments were similarly echoed by Susan Schmitz, president of Downtown Madison Inc., a group representing citizens and various non-profit groups focusing on the downtown area.

"I think that's absolutely great," Schmitz said.

This support comes at a time when city budgets continue to be hot-button issues for local politicians. But, according to Statz, information compiled from the benchmark reports will help the city evaluate its yearly budgets.

Statz noted that in a time when "state fiscal policy will have an impact on the city," it is especially important to "show the link between resources and results."

The benchmarks system could also benefit new departments, Statz added.

"[We've had] some enthusiasm on the part of the Department of Civil Rights," he said. "To have a direct discussion of what success looks like is a way to get that department off on the right foot."

Statz also stressed that the new system will differ from previous measuring systems because it allows the city to take in feedback from the public.

"We will be pursuing surveys and online feedback to help fill in the gaps," he said.

Statz also worried that initially the new changes may be difficult for everyone to understand, but despite potential setbacks, he said that people have been "receptive" of the new program.

"We've gotten some enthusiasm, particularly on the part of the fire department," he said.