IT Project Governance Committee

Overview

The purpose of the IT Project Governance Committee is to ensure that before a proposed technology project is undertaken by Information Technology Services Agency (ITSA) and the Sponsoring Agency, the project is in line with Mayor/business priorities, the project has a solid business plan, and it is positioned for success.

This committee does not:

• Approve or appropriate funds for technology projects
• Replace existing budget, finance and contract governance for the City of St. Louis
• Execute or implement projects

We are committed to increasing the success rate of our technology initiatives and ensuring that every investment delivers maximum value to your departments and the citizens we serve. To support this goal, we are introducing a streamlined framework for planning and prioritizing new technology work. This structure is designed to provide clarity on timelines and ensure we dedicate proper resources to efforts that align with the Mayor’s priorities and the City’s strategic goals.

Members

Members of the committee are:

• Mayor’s Chief Operating Officer
• Information Technology Services Agency Director
• Chief Technology Officer
• Budget Director
• Board of Public Service President

Benefits to City Departments

This framework is built around getting your technology needs met efficiently, not simply adding administrative hurdles. Our key focus areas are:

1. Better Outcomes: By properly scoping and resourcing requests up front, our goal is to have more successful projects in terms of scope, budget and timelines.
2. Strategic Alignment and Vetting: This process guarantees that significant technology investments are well vetted and coordinated across the entire City government. It ensures the initiative has a solid business plan and is positioned for success before implementation begins.
3. Visible Timelines: We will communicate timelines and backlog status clearly, allowing your department to plan effectively.

Project Prioritization

The committee’s goals include:

• Aligning technology with City goals and the Mayor’s Priority areas.
• Reducing redundant systems and encouraging enterprise solutions.
• Evaluating requests based on criteria such as critical business problems, costs, and sufficient staffing plans.

If a project is approved, the Committee determines its placement in the queue (priority order). This ensures that resources are properly allocated before the implementation phase begins, increasing the likelihood of success.

Note that prioritization by this Committee only dictates the order that ITSA will work on projects. It does not remove the need for normal procurement and budget processes and approvals.