M2Method · Reading guide

Reading guide

How to read an audit record, distinguish direct authority from outside dependency, and use the glossary while checking the source chain.

How to read a promise

Start with the governing lever.

A deliverable mayoral commitment names the lever that can move it: executive direction, proposed budget line, ordinance path, interlocal agreement, grant dependency, or state law change. When that lever is missing, the audit treats the promise as an implementation question rather than a complete workplan.

Direct control

Administrative direction, department priorities, budget proposals, emergency coordination, appointments, procurement sequencing, and public reporting standards the mayor can initiate through City Hall.

Public reporting standards
Emergency coordination

Shared control

Budget appropriations, ordinances, charter changes, labor terms, capital plans, and program expansions that require City Council votes or formal board action.

Parks and recreation investments
Public employee commitments

Influence only

County, state, school board, airport, transit, court, utility, and private-sector decisions where the mayor can convene, negotiate, or advocate but cannot compel delivery alone.

Transit expansion
Tourist Development Tax reform

Mayoral authority

The office is powerful, but bounded.

The audit distinguishes direct control, shared control, and influence. A mayoral commitment can be popular, funded, and still undeliverable if the office does not control the governing lever.

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