As beings whose thoughts, aspirations, and hopes are inconceivable without the support and influence of countless other people, we need to collaborate with others to achieve nearly any action we undertake. In order to progress as a city, and promote the common good for all residents, we need social institutions, structures, and environments that foster the human exchange of viewpoints, ideas, and calls to action. Salt Lake City has vigorously promoted these interpersonal exchanges and connections, which are so critical for our unity, understanding, and sense of mutual obligation.

Participation and confidence in government and the political process is critical for promoting progress throughout all sectors of civic life. Throughout my administration, we have introduced unprecedented transparency, openness, and accountability into City affairs. Through Saturday Morning with the Mayor meetings, and News and Community Conferences, as well as One-on-One Meetings With the Mayor, we have provided thousands of people the opportunity to personally provide input to, and gain information from, department heads, other city staff, and me. In partnership with KCPW, I host a monthly "Rocky Hour" on public radio, to promote community dialogue on a wide range of critical issues. This year, with the guidance of Management Services and Char Sylvester, the diligent and outstanding Mayor�s Office Manager, we developed the Employee Disclosure System to provide transparency of public money

reimbursed to employees. Anyone can now view all employee expenditures reimbursed by the City, as well as all of my reimbursed expenditures since I took office. We also prohibit City employees from accepting gifts in the course of their work, a step toward greater transparency and accountability.

Under the leadership of Ken Cowley, the City�s Information Management System (IMS) team has greatly expanded City information available online and on the City�s cable television station, SLC-TV Channel 17. When I came into office, the content offered on SLC-TV seemed to be limited to scrolling agendas of City Council meetings�sometimes agendas of meetings already held. Now, with the help of Bill Haight, John Rand, Jose Solano, and the rest of the SLC-TV team, the station offers a vast, rich, interesting array of content, much of which can also be viewed on-demand at slcgov.com.