Establishing an Annual Mayor’s Savings Challenge - by Councillor Shelley Carroll, Seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

These are the people who understand our processes best and often have the most practical ideas for doing things smarter and better. To empower staff and foster a culture of innovation and fiscal responsibility, the Mayor's Savings Challenge will recognize and reward City staff who propose operational efficiencies or cost-saving measures that can be implemented in time for the next annual budget. The best ideas would be celebrated annually by the Mayor and the staff member(s) responsible for the most impactful and implementable idea would receive non-monetary recognition in appreciation of their contribution to the City's financial sustainability. Whether it's simplifying a process, reducing duplication, or finding a smarter way to deliver services, the goal is to foster a practice of listening to the front lines to surface practical solutions for a more sustainable and efficient city. Preferably, the first Savings Challenge would impact the 2026 Budget. A similar initiative was launched by Mayor Mel Lastman in the legacy city of North York whose challenge to staff yielded real savings and a spirit of partnership in City-building. This renewed effort reflects that same spirit of collaboration and pragmatism - and will help ensure that Toronto can invest in what matters most. Reason for Urgency: To allow for development and implementation in order achieve savings as part of the 2026 Budget process.

offer a non-monetary recognition to the winning staff member(s), subject to existing employment and collective agreement provisions; and d. promote the Challenge across all City divisions and agencies to encourage broad participation and highlight the importance of frontline city staff in enabling priority investments.