Local Government Innovation

Minnesota faces the reality of an aging population, rising health care costs, and an increasing demand for government services with reduced revenue. Yet many counties, cities, and schools have refused to let the traditional approaches of either increasing taxes or cutting spending exclusively dictate their responses to these challenges. Instead, they are pursuing a third way--innovation and service redesign.

To support local government redesign efforts and recognize the innovative work already underway, the Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center has partnered with state associations and InCommons in the following initiatives:

Local Government Innovation Awards with InCommons

For five years, the Local Government Innovation Awards program has recognized outstanding cities, counties, and schools in Minnesota that demonstrate results in improving local services. The Humphrey School of Public Affairsis partnering with the Association of MN Counties (AMC), the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), the MN School Boards Association (MSBA), and InCommons* to conduct the 2012–13 Local Government Innovation Awards.

The Awards recognize the creative ways counties, cities, and schools are making Minnesota better and doing things differently. In keeping with previous years, up to 18 local government entities will be recognized as award winners for their innovative work.

But, this year, there was also a twist. Minnesotans cast their vote to help determine the entrant that will receive $25,000 to continue local government innovation and redesign work!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S AWARD WINNER(S)
The 2012-2013 winner of the Local Government Innovation Award is the Early College at Irondale High School project, which will receive the $25,000 grant.

Each of the 3 finalists' innovations received such overwhelming support that the Bush Foundation has decided to award runners up the City of Saint Paul and Dakota County Community Services grants of $10,000 each. Over 2,000 total votes were cast across the state to support the work that the three finalists are doing to make Minnesota better and do things differently.

At the Humphrey School's awards ceremony on January 16, 2013, everyone who participated in the sixth annual Local Government Innovation Awards was celebrated, including all 18 Award category winners.

If you have questions or feedback about the Awards, contact John Anderson at John@InCommons.org or (612) 746-6721. Learn more at challenges.InCommons.org/LGIA

* This year’s Awards have been made possible with the support of InCommons, an initiative of the Bush Foundation that inspires, supports, and connects community-powered problem-solving.

GET INVOLVED: HOST A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INNOVATION!
Learn how with this easy-to-follow guide.

Local Government Innovation & Redesign Guide (updated January 2013)

This comprehensive guide provides an introduction to local government innovation for managers and elected officials in city government. It also serves as a logical framework for innovation and redesign efforts and details real-life examples from cities across the state of Minnesota.

Download the Complete Guide (Updated January 2013)

LGI with InCommons logo