Nation's Most Innovative Government Initiatives Compete For $100,000 Award

Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) May 3, 2007

Eighteen unique and effective government programs were announced today as finalists for the 2007 Innovations in American Government Awards by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. These finalists will compete for seven $100,000 awards.

"These finalists offer tangible results that innovative government leaders can improve public services to their citizens," said Stephen Goldsmith, Director of the Innovations in American Government Program. "When government officials focus on achieving results through innovative thinking, they show that government has the capacity to successfully tackle serious problems while creating efficiencies."

Nearly 1,000 applications were submitted from across the country. The field was narrowed last month to the Top 50 Programs. The next step for the finalist programs is a presentation before the National Selection Committee at Kennedy School on Tuesday, May 15th. The winners will be announced in September in Washington, D.C. at a dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Innovations in American Government Awards.

"Each of these finalist programs demonstrates public sector ingenuity," said Gowher Rizvi, Director of the Ash Institute. "We are pleased to recognize these innovative initiatives and the hardworking individuals who dedicate themselves to the public good."

The eighteen finalists for this year's awards are:

Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency
State of Florida

Antenatal & Neonatal Guidelines, Education & Learning System (ANGELS)
State of Arkansas

Capital Improvements Management Office
Kansas City, Missouri

Center for State Adoption and Policy Research
State of Tennessee

Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR)
City of Chicago, Illinois

Climate Protection Initiative
City of Seattle, Washington

Community Care
State of North Carolina

eCityGov Alliance 2006
City of Mercer Island, Washington

Electronic Court Records
King County, Washington

Homeowner's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Juvenile Justice Continuum of Services & Graduated Sanctions
6th Judicial District of New Mexico

Landbanking for Affordable Housing
City of Eugene, Oregon

Overt Drug Market Strategy
City of High Point, North Carolina

Renewable Energy Mitigation Program
City of Aspen, Colorado

Science Engineering Mathematics and Aerospace Academy
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Urban Land Reform Initiative
Genesee County, Michigan

Vacant Property Registration Fee Program
City of Wilmington, Delaware

Water System Conservation Program
City of San Antonio, Texas

The Innovations in American Government Awards is a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. The Ash Institute advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, publications, leadership training, global network, and awards program, the Ash Institute fosters creative and effective government problem-solving and serves as a catalyst for addressing many of the most pressing needs of the world's citizens.

To learn more, please visit http://www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu.

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