[Gnso-sc-budget] Reduction of travel spend by $0.5m in GNSO policy development budget - what impact, if any, on the GNSO?

[Ayden Férdeline]

Hi all,

I am reviewing the documents that Berry prepared in advance of our call for this Monday. I understand that Berry will walk us through them then, but I had one question now and just thought I'd flag it so we can hopefully get a response on Monday:

According to the comparative table, the Policy team's travel spend is being reduced by $500,000 in FY19. As best I can tell, that figure includes the CROP travel spend, so the reduction is just $300,000 over FY18. Under the header "GNSO Related Project Deltas from FY18," the project "FY18 Ongoing Policy ‐ General Management Administration" is described as having a reduction of $300,000 in its travel spend. However, the description in table indicates, "Project will continue into FY19, but Prof. Svcs. resource reduction (appx. $500k)".

Can you please clarify, is there actually a reduction in staff travel?

If so, can you please advise what the reductions in staff travel would entail, and whether they would negatively impact your work? This is in line with the 'penny wise, pound foolish' principle I introduced into an email earlier today; I'd like to look carefully at any reductions in service to the GNSO. If this spend is unnecessary, let's slash it, but if it is ultimately going to harm the service which the GNSO and/or the Council receives, we need to know so that we can raise awareness on the Council and in our communities.

Perhaps some savings will be achieved through efficiencies and there will not be a degradation of service? For instance, by staying in the same type of hotel as ICANN accommodates community members? (From what I understand, the Policy team stayed at the Marina del Rey Hotel in January, while GNSO community members participating in the Council Strategic Planning Session stayed at the DoubleTree a week later. At least based on hotel rack rates, which I confirmed mid-January, the DoubleTree was half the price.)

Not trying to throw any stones here; not trying to be judge and jury -- just trying to understand where and how resources which support policy development and policy-related activities are being spent, and how any reductions could impact us (if at all). Thank you.

Kind regards,

Ayden
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