Payments Modernization Framework

The purpose of this report is firstly to summarize the research conducted and provide an overview of the City's payments landscape. This report also identifies the following policy objectives that form the proposed Payments Modernization Framework, that will guide the City's approach to developing, designing, and implementing its payment strategy: 1. Provide customers choice and convenience through multi-channel options; 2. Provide a consistent and modern payment experience with minimum standards that can be adapted to Divisional needs; and, 3. Ensure a transparent approach for establishing and managing transaction fees. If adopted, the objectives will guide the evaluation of existing payment options offered by the City, and a strategy for future payment options and processes. Staff will report back to the General Government Committee by the fourth quarter of 2025 with a Payments Modernization Strategy, including a recommended implementation approach, and whether a procurement is needed to enable implementation.

b. Providing a consistent and modern payments experience with minimum standards that can be adapted based on Divisional needs. c. Ensuring a transparent approach for establishing and managing transaction fees. 2. City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Customer Experience, and Executive Director, Finance Shared Services, to develop a Payments Modernization Strategy and implementation approach, and report back to the General Government Committee by the fourth quarter of 2025. 3. City Council direct that, the Chief Technology Officer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Customer Experience, and Executive Director, Finance Shared Services, and relevant divisions continue to ensure that City digital payment systems are in alignment with the Digital Infrastructure Strategic Framework to maintain flexibility, strong data privacy and security standards, and protection and ownership of City data.