SAN DIEGO - San Diego was recognized as the most efficiently run City in California by the Reason Public Policy Institute on Feb. 25. Mayor Dick Murphy accepted the award.

The institute made the finding based on its California Competitive Cities Report that evaluates how efficiently the state's 10 largest cities delivered services in 10 categories (building maintenance, emergency medical services, fire protection, fleet management,libraries, parks and recreation, police services, solid waste services, street repair, and water services) from 1993 through 1999.

Mayor Murphy praised City Manager Michael Uberuaga and the more than 10,000 City employees for their efforts. He also extended credit for the award to the City's Select Committee on Government Efficiency and Fiscal Reform and its Zero Based Management Review team. They have been working together with City staff since 1996 to continually improve operations using the private sector expertise of citizen volunteers.

San Diego, Fresno, and Long Beach all ranked first overall in at least one of the years examined. San Francisco ranked last overall, finishing last in six of seven years studied.

San Diego ranked first overall in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1997. The City finished second in 1996 and 1998. The City's Library and Park and Recreation departments were also top-rated. The City's solid waste and building management services were ranked second overall by the institute's study.

"The report shows us how cities are using resources in comparison to other cities," said Geoffrey Segal, author of California Competitive Cities and director of government reform at Reason Public Policy Institute. "Things that get measured get done. The top-ranking cities have embraced performance measures and are thus able to deliver quality and efficient services. Citizens deserve to know what they are getting for their tax dollars."