Humphrey School Seeks Local Government Innovators

At a time when budgets are stretched to their breaking point, local governments are forced to make difficult decisions. Many must answer the question: Is there a way to work together, leverage resources, and still provide the same quality of service?

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota has partnered with the Association of MN Counties (AMC), the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), and the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) to conduct the 2010—11 Local Government Innovation Awards, which laud outstanding cities, counties, and public schools that use innovative practices to improve local services.

“We recognize the extra work local governments are doing to balance difficult budgets during this tough economic time. The award winners deserve the public’s gratitude for real innovation to preserve local services while reducing costs,” says Jay Kiedrowski, senior fellow at the Humphrey School.

Citizens or other nongovernmental organizations also are welcome to nominate local government organizations. Special efforts will be made to recognize local governments of varying sizes, from both the metro area and Greater Minnesota. All applications are due by Friday, February 11, 2011, and may be submitted online at www.incommons.org/localgovernmentinnovation.

This year’s awards will focus on service redesign. Winners will be selected for innovative work that integrates one or more of the following strategies:

Creating Greater Accountability - Developing the parts of performance management systems, such as strategic plans, performance budgets, aligned employee objectives, customer surveys, and program evaluations.

Collaboration or Consolidation - Creating new sharing arrangements, collaborating across sectors, or consolidating governmental organizations to improve efficient service delivery.

Using Incentives, Charges, and Targeting - Utilizing incentives rather than compliance for employees or functions, creating or rethinking fees, and targeting services to those in need.

Competitive Contracting - Contracting out public services by using bidders from multiple sectors.

Funding Consumers - Rather than providing a selected service for everyone, allowing consumers of the service to select their providers.

Prevention - Developing approaches to prevent problems so that no service is needed to eradicate the problem.

Community - Divesting current services to community groups like churches, athletic associations, service organizations, etc.

The winners will be honored at an award ceremony at the Humphrey Center.

Chisago County: Profile of a Previous Winner

Chisago County Winners
Award winners with Jay Kiedrowski of the Humphrey School (right)

The Chisago County Department of Environmental Services/Zoning formed a partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and the North Branch Police Department after Chisago County recognized the need for a safe and secure method for citizens to dispose of unwanted prescription, over-the-counter, and veterinary drugs. The partnership was formed to provide drop boxes for drug disposal. These medications are then safely and securely transported to an incinerator, where they are rendered harmless, meeting all federal standards for disposal.

“We started the unwanted medication disposal program to protect the groundwater in Chisago County, but now realize that it addresses many other concerns, especially restricting the availability of over the counter and prescription drugs to our youth,” says John Moosey, Chisago County Administrator. “The volume of unwanted medications that we have taken in to date is truly amazing, and shows that our residents have embraced this program, and want to do the right thing.”