Case Study

St. Louis, MO - Managerial, Professional, and Administrative Evaluation

PFM conducted an evaluation of City of St. Louis managerial and administrative staffing to identify opportunities for cost reduction and streamlining. PFM's evaluation included both quantitative analysis of key metrics - such as span of control - and more qualitative evaluations, including extensive management interviews. Due to differences across communities and their governments in terms of legally mandated governance structures, community service demands, and other environmental factors, PFM did not employ a "formulaic" methodology to drive final staffing level decisions. Rather, distinct characteristics and levels of complexity for City functions were considered by PFM's project team to determine options and opportunities.

As part of this review, each major General Fund department under the Mayor's authority was evaluated for potential internal economies. Through strategies such as consolidation of divisional administrative personnel, expanded span of control, and management "de-layering," such department-by-department analysis generated multiple options for change. On an interdepartmental basis, recommendations included potential high-impact technology upgrades, shared services approaches, and functional realignment. Overall, PFM developed 145 options for City consideration.