Challenges in lean government

Hear how the City of San Diego’s performance and analytics department’s mission is to empower city employees, elected officials, and the public through increased transparency, efficiency, and accountability in city operations.

Learn how by utilizing the performance and analytics department's Operational Excellence Academy, city employees are learning lean methodologies that they can apply to their daily work environments. Hear how the application of lean in the government setting is new to many jurisdictions and can present some unique challenges. This session will focus on exploring the challenges and successes of lean implementation as it is used to change the City of San Diego’s workplace culture, and to empower employees to use lean tools and methodologies, resulting in better service delivery to the residents, visitors, and businesses of San Diego.

The City of San Diego is best known for its ideal climate, beautiful beaches, and array of world-class attractions. San Diego is considered one of the top five leisure destinations in the U.S. and a top 10 business destination. As the eighth largest city in the nation and the second largest city in California, the city's total population is approximately 1.4 million. San Diego covers 325 square miles of land area and an additional 47 square miles of water area for an aggregate total 372 square miles. As one of the region's largest employers, the City of San Diego has a combined Fiscal Year 2017 operating budget of approximately $3.3 billion and employs approximately 11,000 highly dedicated employees. The city's mission, as found in its strategic plan, is "To Effectively Serve and Support Our Communities." Its core values are integrity, service, people, and excellence. The city's vision is "A World-Class City for All." www.sandiego.gov

Jeremy Culuko is a program coordinator in the Performance & Analytics department supporting the operational excellence program and assisting with process improvement initiatives and related educational programs. Prior to the City of San Diego, he served as a program manager and data analyst for Navy Medicine where he led lean six sigma projects, designed education programs, and provided oversight for regional traumatic brain injury programs. He spent several years as a high school teacher in San Diego County and continues to serve on several career technical education advisory boards, mentor students, and assist with the development of high school sports medicine programs. Culuko earned his undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in kinesiology and a master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University. He is a certified lean six sigma green belt through Navy Medicine and is a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard.