The UTA Board of Trustees held an informational working meeting today to discuss the development of the 2017 tentative budget and hold an intensive discussion about board governance structure and processes. The board spent several hours in a facilitated presentation with governance and leadership consultant Sue Radwan, discussing ways to clarify and improve board processes and decision-making functions, increase opportunities for public and stakeholder input and communication, and better connect with and reflect community goals and values through increased transparency and public access.

Todays’ meeting was part of the board’s concerted efforts to improve transparency and implement significant reforms at the agency. In May the board announced and implemented a number of changes designed to increase public participation and accountability. These changes included moving all decision-making to the full board, posting information about action items online in advance of board meetings and taking comment, and providing increased opportunities for public comment at the actual board meetings.

In recent months, the board has been studying and evaluating its governance structure and processes in a thoughtful effort to improve communication and dialogue among all board members, increase the effectiveness of board and staff interaction and keep the public involved and engaged with the full board. As the board committed in May, all future meetings will be noticed and open to the public as the board is focused on demonstrating the highest standards of transparency and accountability to the public and its stakeholders.