Annual Report 2014

City of surrey Overviews

City Manager’s Department

The City Manager’s Department provides advice and recommendations to City Council-related policies and emerging issues. The department assists in guiding the work of other City Departments, thus ensuring a coordinated and balanced implementation of Council policy. The City Manager’s office provides effective financial management by monitoring the annual budget and the 5-year Financial Plan. It is responsible for ensuring that high quality sustainable City services are delivered on a consistent basis to the City’s residents and businesses. The City Manager’s Department also has responsibility for the following operational divisions and sections:

LEGAL SERVICES The Legal Services Division provides services to City Council and City Departments. City solicitors serve as court counsel, provide legal advice, render legal opinions, and draft and review legal and legislative documentation associated with City business. The Division is also responsible for the By-law Enforcement & Licensing Services Section and for the animal control function, including the operation of the City Animal Shelter and parking enforcement. LEGISLATIVE SERVICES The Legislative Services Division carries out the statutory responsibilities of the Corporate Officer as legislated under the Community Charter. Legislative Services provides services to City Council, City departments and the public, and is responsible for ensuring City business is undertaken in accordance with all levels of government legislation. Legislative Services is also responsible for managing the City’s compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation which includes management of the Corporate Records program, privacy training, impact assessments, and responding to requests for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) .

CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGY OFFICE The Crime Reduction Strategy Office is responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Surrey Crime Reduction Strategy, which is focused on reducing crime, nuisance behavior, and increasing public safety through considering international best practices tailored to the needs of communities in Surrey. SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE The Sustainability Office is responsible for implementing the recommendations contained in the Surrey Sustainability Charter with the over-riding goal of making meaningful advances in sustainability in the City of Surrey to the benefit of present and future generations. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Economic Development Division is responsible for maximizing opportunities for partnerships with other orders of government, educational institutions, and the private sector. The Division facilitates sustainable economic expansion and diversification across industries, with a focus on key sectors and takes all reasonable actions so that Surrey is recognized as a preferred location in which to conduct business.

2 0 1 4 A c c o m p l i s h m e n t s

• Digitalized Council meeting agendas, which allows City Council and the Senior Management Team to access the Council meeting agendas and materials electronically. • Launched privacy awareness training for City of Surrey staff to increase awareness around our obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). • Worked in partnership with the Kwantlen University AT-CURA (Acting Together – Canadian Urban Research Alliance) on the development of evidence-based research on the relationship between youth strengths and prevention of delinquency, violence, and gang involvement. A national conference was held in Surrey in July 2014.

• Key driver in partnership and business development initiatives for Innovation Boulevard – actively working with another 45 companies including three multinationals. • Recruited Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre, western Canada’s only business accelerator for cleantech companies. • Extended the Inter Municipal Business License pilot project with nine Fraser Valley municipalities. • Supported the launch of the Surrey RCMP’s “Surrey Steps Up” (SSU) campaign in partnership with the other City departments. Surrey Steps Up was built on past successes of the Stop Bullying project and promoted a broader message of community engagement to encourage social responsibility.

• Development and implementation of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). This program is aimed at investing in the development and growth of leaders within the City. The ELP will provide new and emerging leaders with the education, work experiences and self‑development opportunities needed to meet the challenges and demands of building a world-class city. • Honoured with a FCM 2015 Sustainable Communities Award in Energy for the City’s Community Climate Action Strategy. • With Parks and DIVERSECity, developed a newcomers garden (“Growing Roots Garden”) and a community garden co-located at Lionel Courchene Park, including supporting community outreach and garden building, and facilitating two market stands.

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