The City of San Antonio was mired in animal control problems, and citizen complaints were coming from two different directions. The city found itself in the seeming contradictory position of needing to reduce the stray population and reducing the number of animals euthanized. In June of 2011, the Innovation Group from the Office of Management & Budget was tasked with developing a strategy to accomplish the following: increase the Live Release Rate from a current level of 31% to the community goal of 70%, and decrease the stray animal population, particularly the dangerous packs of dogs. By applying a balanced approach to strays and enforcment, implementing LEAN process improvement and performance management, and re-forging community partnerships, the Animal Care Services Department was able to increase its Live Release Rate to nearly 70%, revitalize staff morale and performance, and generate significant positive media publicity - all in just a few months.