Implementation of a Strategic Plan Using the EUM Attributes

In early 2009, the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) began work on its first Strategic Plan. A facilitated 3-day senior staff retreat yielded a draft plan with seven strategic goals. Approval of the final plan was approved by CCMWA's governing board in June 2009. After work had commenced on the Strategic Plan, CCMWA staff became aware of the Effective Utility Management Primer, and compared the newly developed strategic goals with the Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Water Sector Utilities in the Primer. A strong correlation between the two was observed. This case study describes how CCMWA is incorporating the Attribute-Related Water Utility Measures into its Strategic Plan implementation, specifically in developing action items and performance measures for all work teams. Strategies for plan development, lessons learned and plans for future steps are discussed.