SPIRIT: Who We Are

SPIRIT is the City’s cultural DNA. It identifies our values and describes how we go about achieving the City Council’s mission, vision, and priorities.

Service: We respond.

  • Provide high-quality, culturally competent customer service.
  • Proactively seek solutions to address resident and colleague needs.
  • Take prompt action and directly address concerns.
  • Meet people where they are.
  • Express a “we can do it” attitude.

People: We care.

  • Serve with empathy and compassion.
  • Create environments where employees and residents feel a sense of belonging.
  • Have a curious mindset focused on problem-solving and not judgement.
  • Support employee well-being through policies and practices that promote a healthy work/life balance.

Integrity: We are honest.

  • Develop a transparent and accessible government.
  • Practice emotional intelligence, noticing how our own emotions can impact our responses and decisions.
  • Engage in crucial conversations and deliver truth with care to resolve issues, reduce tension, and strive for mutual understanding.
  • Possess high ethical standards.

Responsibility: We are accountable.

  • Demonstrate and reward the norms and behaviors we value and expect, while discouraging behaviors contrary to our values.
  • Hold ourselves and each other accountable.
  • Clearly communicate expectations in order to foster mutual accountability.
  • Provide the best value for residents with available resources.

Innovation: We improve.

  • Create an environment to take strategic risks and try new ideas.
  • Use data-informed decision-making processes to continuously improve.
  • Search for creative solutions.
  • Seek solutions that address disparities affecting our most vulnerable populations.
  • Learn from mistakes.

Teamwork: We work together.

  • Co-create with colleagues, partners, and community members to accomplish shared goals.
  • Engage diverse perspectives to find better solutions.
  • Respect and support each other in ways that create a culture of inclusion and belonging for all employees.
  • Celebrate successes.