How can Municipalities Leverage Integrated Performance Management?

Published on June 20, 2025

Integrated management aligns strategy, tactics, operations and individuals around an organization’s priorities to achieve planned results.

Municipalities operate in an increasingly complex environment, characterized by high citizen expectations, limited resources and constant pressure to deliver tangible results. In this context, strategic consistency becomes essential. Having a good plan is no longer enough: you also need the entire organization to pull in the same direction.

Going from performance management to integrated management

We are all familiar with performance management, which consists in monitoring and improving the performance of a department, team or individual. However, integrated performance management aims to go further. It aligns the strategic, tactical, operational and individual spheres around the organization’s priorities. By offering such cross-functional coherence, it can generate real value.

Multi-tiered architecture

The foundation of integrated management is a clear structure with a strategic plan, objectives and indicators at each level as well as sound governance mechanisms. Members of each tier, from the municipal council to the individual employee, must understand their role and contribution. Creating this value chain can transform a political vision into concrete results on the ground.

Setting the course for strategic performance

At the top, strategic performance is the responsibility of the municipal council, senior management and department heads. It relies on a clear strategic plan, carefully selected indicators and formal monitoring mechanisms. There are many challenges: translating the political vision into concrete guidelines, avoiding the pitfalls of day-to-day operations and making sure that managers take ownership of the plan.

Best practices

Tactical performance: translating strategy into action

At the departmental level, tactical performance enables strategic priorities to be broken down into concrete objectives. It is a matter of ensuring coordination between departments, avoiding silo mentality and staying the course without resorting to merely executing tasks.

Best practices

Operational performance: delivering on a daily basis

On the ground, operational performance is the driving force behind execution. It relies on clear plans, regularly monitored indicators and a culture of accountability. The challenge is being able to change management practices while also ensuring data quality.

Best practices

Individual performance: involving every employee

Each employee has their own role to play. Individual performance allows personal goals to be aligned with organizational priorities, by including development plans, clear indicators and regular meetings.

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Placing governance at the heart of success

Governance is the cornerstone of this approach, by connecting the different levels and ensuring consistency and informed decision-making. Without sound management mechanisms, the best strategy remains an empty promise.

Key factors for success

To successfully implement an integrated performance management approach, you need several key ingredients:

And, above all, don’t hesitate to ask for support. An external perspective can help you structure the process, avoid pitfalls and accelerate transformation.

Why now?

Because, in the face of immense challenges and high expectations, the municipalities that will thrive are those that can rally their entire organization around a shared vision. Integrated performance management is not a trend: it is a necessity.

Dare to transform your organization

Integrated performance management is much more than a management tool: it is a lever for transformation. It offers you the opportunity to switch from a silo mentality to a collaborative approach and from a culture based on means to one founded on results. It provides purpose, galvanizes teams and creates value.

To all municipal decision-makers, we challenge you to dare. Dare to structure, align and mobilize. Dare to transform your organization to better serve your citizens. And, if you are looking for a partner who can assist you along the way, remember that enthusiastic experts are there to lend you a hand.