Item 3 - Strategic Planning Update Presentation — original pdf

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Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager Samantha Eaton Moncayo, Business Process Consultant Senior Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant September 9, 2024 W o r k in g Gr o u p M e e t in g • D r . Sch o o le r fa cilit a t e d s e co n d w o r k in g gr o u p m e e t in g o n Au gu s t 2 9 t h • D is co ve r y Se s s io n • P r io r it ie s d is cu s s io n Strategic Planning Update 2 Data Overview DATA METHOD Interviews Listening Sessions Public Survey Staff 9 Leadership Interviews 9 listening sessions (94 Staff) 103 total staff Volunteers 4 listening sessions 40 volunteers Community 1 month posted 2000+ responses ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 3 Community Survey TIMEFRAME FORMAT The community survey was open from July 17th until August 14th on Public Input. Online mixed methods survey with quantitative and qualitative questions using Public Input platform. RESPONSES 2,041 participants *567 responses excluded because they failed to complete 2 or more required questions and most other data left blank. MARKETING The survey was shared through ASO social media, a City press release, internal City newsletter, City social media, all City Public Information Officers, and a social media kit was sent to partner agencies. ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 4 Participant Demographics Zip Code Distribution Age Please note: Demographic questions were completed by 66%, 49%, 47% and 47% respectively ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 5 Participant Demographics Gender Race/Ethnicity The areas of the pie chart not visible on the graphic represent the following out of 971 respondents. America Indian or Alaska Native - 1, Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish; American Indian or Alaska Native Indian or Alaska Native; Other - 1, White; Black or African-American; American Indian or Alaska Native- 1, White; Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish; American Indian or Alaska Native Asian - 1, White; Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish; Other White; Black or African-American - 2, White; American Indian or Alaska Native - 1, White; Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish; - 2, - 1, White; Other - 1, Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish; Asian - 1, White; American - 4 ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 6 Participants Interactions with ASO Please note: Participants can indicate more than one interaction type, so this does not equal 100%. ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 7 ASO Service Ratings How would you rate the quality of the following animal -related services provided by the City of Austin Animal Services Office? (Please indicate N/A if you do not have awareness about or have not received the service) ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 8 Please note: Blank and N/A responses were excluded from these calculations. ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 9 Priorities for ASO What should be the top priorities for the Animal Services Office over the next 5 years? Please choose and rank the 5 priorities that you believe should be the highest priority as we make decisions about strategic planning. Adoption and rehoming programs Foster programs Spay and neuter programs Stray animal response in the field (i.e., animal Protection picking up strays) Stray animal response at the shelter (i.e., intake open to accept lost/ found animals) Enforcement of animal laws Maintaining no-kill status (i.e., no animals are killed for space only) Ensuring high standards of care for sheltered animals Maintaining and upgrading shelter facilities Ensuring public safety from dangerous animals Community education and outreach Volunteer programs Collaborating with other animal welfare organizations Promoting responsible pet ownership Providing resources to pet owners Customer service at the shelter Reducing the impact of breed restrictions/ rental pet fees Other: ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 10 ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 11 Vision for the Future If you close your eyes and imagine your ideal future, what does animal welfare look like in Austin? Please share your vision or specific goals related to animal welfare or animal services in our community. Comments are visible with the option to hide and upvote other comments. ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 12 Vision Themes ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 13 Vision Themes Defined Pet Ownership Policy Spay/Neuter No Kill Program/Service • 622 comments and • 531 comments and it • 482 comments and it • 365 comments was the third most was the fourth most up • Most comments were common theme to be up voted theme related to the foster and • 626 comments with second most up votes • Most comments were related to educating the public on pet ownership and responsibility of adopting, resources for pet owners, and offering low-cost vet services. • One comment stated “teach responsible pet ownership”. • “Reduce surrender rate and shelter pop by having a funding stream that allows little to no income pets receive medical care”. these comments also received the most up votes • Most comments were related to requiring spay/neuter, rental policy that alleviate pet fees and restrictions, and regulating breeding. • The most upvoted (245) comment stated: “Spay and neuter is mandatory for all pets by law, unless a special permit is obtained”. • The third most upvoted (141) comment said “no more pet rent”. voted • Comments were related to increasing availability and access to spay/ neuter surgeries, and making surgeries free or low-cost. • The second most up voted (218) comment shared, “easily available, free or reduced cost spay/ neuter for the public - wait time of less than a month”. • Overwhelming comments adoption programs. supported maintaining Austin’s no kill status. However, 86 comments • “AAC never closes intake but instead relies heavily on foster network; foster mentioned re-evaluating network is provided existing policy. resources and supplies” • The fourth most up voted • “Ensuring adoptable animals find a home as quickly as possible” (106) comment stated: “we should probably reduce our no kill rate - storing non-adoptable pets in cages for 6+ months to years is inhumane - intake should always be an option”. ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 14 Interview and Listening Session Methodology TIMEFRAME INTERVIEW FORMAT LISTENING SESSION PARTICIPATION Structured discussion using interview guide held virtually. Interviews were conducted from July 15th to 19th, 2024. Listening Sessions were conducted from July 30th to August 20th, 2024. We hosted 9 staff sessions (2 for leads/supervisors) and 4 volunteer sessions. FORMAT Interactive sessions to capture current state strengths and challenges and future aspirations; included breakout groups and guided discussion. In person sessions with one virtual staff session. • 103 Staff ⚬ 94 in listening sessions ⚬ 9 in interviews • 40 Volunteers ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 15 Staff & Volunteer Overview Strengths Challenges Volunteer Program & Engagement Dedicated & Skilled Staff No-Kill Implementation Shelter Facilities Funding & Resource Constraints Training & SOPs Management & Accountability Public Resources & Outreach Creative Problem-Solving & Teamwork Staffing Issues Public Perception & Awareness Volunteer & Staff Relations Support from City Leadership Strategic Direction Commitment to Animal Welfare Communication Equipment Gaps Customer Service Volunteer Management Animal Welfare & Length of Stay Prioritized by all 3 groups Prioritized by 2 groups Prioritized by 1 group ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 16 Staff & Volunteer Overview Top Hopes for the Future Enhanced Services & Improved Outcomes Record adoption and foster rates, expanded community resources, increased access to services including spay and neuter, and pathways for behavior animals. “Promotes the well being of all members of the community and their pets. Helping both sides of the leash.” Strengthened Public Perception & Education Increased awareness of ASO’s mission and goals, improved public image, open communicaiton to address concerns and build trust, and robust public education programs. “Community members know us as a resource and feel welcome here.” “ASO will have earned (and deserve) the trust of the public to make good decisions for animals and all in our community” Modernized Facilities, Increased Funding, & Resources New location or additional kennel space; renovations including sound reduction; improved equipment; and funding for increased staffing levels. “Animals in the shelter in appropriate kennels, comfortable, stress free, healthy.” “Sufficient staffing across all departments to handle high intake”. Operational Efficiency, Training, & Innovation Updated procedures, clarity on volunteer roles, innovative programming, and a comprehensive training program. “Better training. Detailed, broken down into blocks or daily focus by actual ‘trainers’” ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 17 Staff & Volunteer Overview Additional Hopes for the Future Policy Advocacy and Community Support Improved Support Systems and Animal Quality of Life Enhanced Staff and Volunteer Engagement Clear Strategic Pathway Improved Internal Communication and Management No-Kill Reassessment and Implementation Improved Customer Service Highlighted by 2 groups Highlighted by 1 group ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 18 Next Steps for Community Engagement DRAFT A COMMUNITY SURVEY REPORT ANALYZE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM COMMUNITY SURVEY COMPILE RESULTS INTO SINGLE REPORT AND SHARE OUT ON PUBLIC INPUT PAGE ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 19 Continuous Improvement Team Audrey Muntz Nicole Peterson Budget and Performance Manager audrey.muntz@austintexas.gov Business Process Consultant nicole.peterson@austintexas.gov Samantha Eaton Moncayo Business Process Consultant, Sr samantha.eatonmoncayo @austintexas.gov ASO Data Analysis 09/09/2024 20 Thank you For more information contact Stephanie.Hayden- Howard@austintexas.gov