Raftelis works with hundreds of local governments and utilities throughout North America and helps write the professional guidance on performance management for use by benchmarking organizations. In addition to our local government work, we conduct and develop leading surveys that provide key benchmarking data for utilities across the country, like the American Water Works Association (AWWA)/Raftelis Water and Wastewater Rate Survey and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies’ (AMWA) Insight utility financial information database.
We can show you how your practices and metrics compare to both neighboring organizations and national benchmarks. The information can provide helpful context as we work with you to develop metrics that are both meaningful and relevant to your specific organizational needs. As a result of this collaborative process, your organization will understand its strengths and where its greatest opportunities to enhance performance lie, as well as the practices that others employ to succeed.
Metrics only go so far, though. We can then help you develop enhanced practices and set appropriate goals and metrics, based on your organization’s unique context. You will know where you are now, where you want to be, and the practices that will move you in the right direction.
We were involved in drafting much of the leading guidance on management and financial topics for local governments and utilities, and our solutions incorporate the latest information available. We combine the best elements of frameworks such as the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Self-Assessment and Effective Utility Management (EUM) with recognized approaches from the business world, like Lean Six Sigma and those of the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
Raftelis develops applications to help you measure and compare your performance. These tools provide a way to track progress toward meeting performance goals and to ensure you stay on track.
Why hide the good things that you’re doing for the people you serve? Show your progress to gain the trust and support needed to tackle your toughest challenges. Raftelis can help you communicate effectively with residents, governing bodies, customers, and other stakeholders through a variety of engagement strategies and tools.
Benchmarking can be a valuable tool for organizational improvement as you compare your agency’s performance with your peers. However, it’s important to look beyond just “how much” and make sure you also understand the “why.”
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has engaged Raftelis for multiple projects since 2016. Raftelis has been PWSA’s primary rate and financial consultant since 2016. During that first year’s engagement, Raftelis developed a brand new comprehensive long-term financial plan and supporting model. PWSA engaged Raftelis to serve as Interim Finance Director for six months during a transition period for the Authority. Raftelis is now assisting PWSA to implement elements of the Compliance and Organizational Plan. Another recent activity is the development and implementation of a stormwater utility and fee.
Raftelis assisted the City of Charleston (the City) with a city-wide organizational assessment and process improvement evaluation of City departments.
