Business Case for New Municipal Projects

Staff often have ideas for new projects or activities, or changes to either. 

They also often do not have the background for building a business case to demonstrate need, viability, cost, or benefits. Also, they have seldom thought through all the costs and impacts. 

This is a simplified business case that I like to have staff use to do those things. I usually have to work with them to complete, but doing so provides enough information for either implementation by staff, or to go to the City Council for approval, if the project is large enough. It is also flexible enough for a small project, but also works for larger ones. 

1. Name of Project 

2. Executive Summary – in five sentences or less 

3. Objectives of Project 

4. Cost of Project 

    a. Design 

    b. Construction/Installation/Equipment cost 

    c. Annual Operating cost 

    d. Revenue/Cost Savings 

    e. ROI 

5. Details – Vendor, Contractor, equipment 

6. When the project will occur 

    a. Ordering 

    b. Installation 

    c. Operating date