PSG client extrordinaire and Ventura City Manager, Rick Cole, has been named one of Governing Magazine's 2006 Public Officials of the Year. He is among an elite group of public officials ranging from the Governor of Mississippi to the Mayor of Nashville.
Rick is one of a growing number of public officials credited with adopting PSG's "Budgeting for Outcomes" budget process. Rick explains, "Like public education before us, cities are facing the challenge of being accountable to citizens for producing results. When I read about the "budgeting for outcomes" effort in Washington State, I knew it was the way to go. So Azusa became the first city in America to adopt the model. When it comes to accountability, you can lead, you can follow or you can get steamrollered. In Ventura, the City Council has determined that we will lead."
Rick is the only City Manager and the only Californian in the group of awardees and is being recognized for his work in Pasadena, Azusa and Ventura.
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Governing Magazine recognized Cole, 53, for excelling in both elected and appointed roles over the past decade and promoting innovative mixed-use development that reflects community values and participation.
Rick Cole was also featured in a an October 31, 2006 article by the Ventura County Star. The article describes the past and present leader.
"As city manager in Azusa for six years, Cole helped lure new investment to the fading blue-collar city."
"Cole now is working on a master plan for Ventura as he and the City Council promote smart growth — the clustering of homes, shops and offices in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods."
Read more about Rick at the Governing Magazine's website.
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