An interactive, computer-based fiscal impact model, the CGM is based on the premise that the production of a forecast of fiscal impacts requires a 'modeling' of the cause and effect relationships between land use, the demand for and consumption of municipal services, fiscal burden, and economic and demographic trends. Redmond officials say that beyond being a wonderful analysis tool due the quality of analysis generated, the CGM is also a very efficient tool. Traditionally, information regarding revenues, service levels, service costs, calls for police or fire service, proposed development, etc. has been spread out among the City's line departments.
Information is, in effect, a decentralized commodity.
The CGM, however, links all of this information and knowledge. It breaks down the existing information bottlenecks and is able to efficiently produce a truly comprehensive fiscal impact analysis.