OMBI FAQs

What are the Benefits of OMBI?

OMBI provides a common framework for assessing municipal performance. It demonstrates the CAO’s commitment to accountability and puts the results in a form that is easier to understand and communicate.

Are there other benefits?

Members have developed a common language for measuring and sharing results that helps participants to learn from each other.

What does this mean to the citizens?

OMBI helps assist municipalities by providing data that informs decisions about what level of services to offer, what it will cost and what benefits the public can expect to receive.

Can you provide an example?

OMBI data can assist in determining where progress is being made and where more work is needed, in areas like more accessible transit, better ambulance response times, and higher rates of diverting waste. The confidence in OMBI data helps participants to learn from each other about what works and how services can better meet the needs of citizens.

Why do municipalities need this type of program? Isn’t service improvement a normal part of operations in our communities?

It’s true that municipal service improvements are the domain of each municipality. OMBI takes the view that with proper analysis, OMBI can share & learn from others. In the tough world of the global economy, a world in which cities are now the economic centres, municipalities need all the competitive advantages that can be harnessed. The OMBI initiative is one way to leverage tax dollars to maximize the efficiency and quality of services, by sharing successful techniques and best practices to assist municipalities to compete globally.

What can municipalities expect from involvement in OMBI?

A systematic approach to benchmarking municipal performance, can improve service to our citizens and increase trust and confidence in local government.