Establishing a Commission on Government Efficiency

WHEREAS, many state buildings are over 7 5 years old and have significant deferred maintenance with outdated workspaces that are not consistent with current needs;

WHEREAS, the State's use of real estate and lease holdings has not undergone a comprehensive analysis in recent history and would benefit from a strategic assessment;

WHEREAS, government programs change over time, as do the needs of the citizens government serves;

WHEREAS, the State must limit the costs of its services while continuously improving service delivery; and

WHEREAS, the Executive should periodically review the organization of its agencies, its programs and its facilities to address the changing needs of the State and to seek organizational efficiencies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gina M. Raimondo, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby order and direct the following:

1. There is hereby established a Commission on Government Efficiency ("Commission") that shall exist for the purpose of advising the Governor.
   
    
2. The Commission shall undertake a comprehensive review of Rhode Island government to identify potential opportunities for increased efficiencies and savings. The Commission shall focus on developing efficiency recommendations that further the following goals:
   
   1. Re-organization and consolidation of agencies, divisions, and programs within and across state government; and
   2. Making more efficient and effective use of the state real estate, leases, assets and resources.
      
       
3. The Commission shall consist of members appointed by the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor shall designate a chairperson of the Commission, and the Commission's members shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
   
   1. The Directors of the Department of Administration and the Office of Management and Budget; b. Representative of municipal government; and
   2. Representatives of the public and private sectors with experience in real estate and asset management, program administration and performance management.
      
       
4. All departments, offices, boards, and agencies shall cooperate with the Commission, including the use of State facilities, which may be necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Executive Order. 
   
    
5. All departments, offices, boards, and agencies shall provide staff support as required by the Commission. This will include an efficiency commission liaison in each agency to act as a designated point person to the Commission's associated working groups.
   
    
6. The Commission shall convene at least four public forums during the months of March and April to engage and solicit input throughout Rhode Island.
   
    
7. The Commission shall recommend executive, legislative, and programmatic changes that will advance the above-mentioned efficiencies and savings goals. The Commission shall produce a final report containing the Commission's findings and recommendations to the Governor no later than May 3, 2019.
   
    
8. The Commission shall dissolve at the end of the 2019 legislative session, unless further extended by the Governor.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor