J. ROBERT HAVLICK AWARD AND THOMAS H. MUEHLENBECK AWARD NOMINATIONS

The Alliance for Innovation's prestigious Innovation Awards are bestowed annually to programs that successfully and creatively address important public service dilemmas and positively impact their communities.  The awards recognize Alliance members who have shown extraordinary commitment to bringing innovative ideas to life.

The J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government was conceptualized by the Innovation Groups' (now the Alliance for Innovation) Board of Directors to honor Bob Havlick, founder of IG who retired in 2003.  Annually, one local government, its internal champion(s) and the innovation will be acknowledged with the J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government. 

In addition, one local government and its program, initiative and/or project will receive the Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence in Local Government.  Muehlenbeck has served as the City Manager of Plano, TX since 1987 and was The Innovation Groups Board of Directors' Chair for 10 years.

Honorable mention will also be given for Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation.

2010 Havlick/muehlenbeck award winners

J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government:

Polk County, FL - Polk County Government E-Town Hall

Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence:

Johnson City, TN - Will This Float?

Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Awards:

City of Allen, TX - Virtual Emergency Command Training for Operational Readiness
City of Asheboro, NC - Mobile 311 Program
City of Decatur, GA - Open City Hall
City of Durham, NC - DurhamFirst and a Culture of Service
James City County, VA - CaseTrak 2.0: Opening Development Tracking to Citizens and Applicants 24/7
Larimer County, CO - Development and Successful Implementation of Vote Centers
City of Ponca City, OK - Wireless Mesh Broadband Network
City of Richmond, VA and York County, VA - External Alarm Interface Exchange Project
City of Rock Hill, SC - Impact on Transparency and Accountability Through Strategic Planning and Performance Management.

the 2010 award submissions may be found in the knowledge network. The 2011 Award invitations for applicants will be released in november 2010. 

criteria for the awards

Award submissions should demonstrate one or more of the following:  

• How it successfully addressed an important dilemma of public service delivery.
• How it has had a positive impact and been a tremendous benefit to the community or jurisdiction.
• A quantum leap of creativity.
• The government's commitment and support of bringing the innovation to life.
• Service delivery improvements and/or efficiencies.
• Organizational improvement because of the innovation.
• Tangible effectiveness and results.

To apply, submit:

The call for submissions begins annually in the fall with a deadline of early winter.  To apply applications include:

• A cover sheet with your name, title, jurisdiction, mailing address, phone, fax and email address.
• An opening paragraph with the program, project, product, etc. name and a short description of the innovation.
• A description of your jurisdiction, the history of the situation(s), which gave rise to the innovation's need and additional underlying factors.
• A description of the innovation's importance, internal impact and community benefits.
• Answers to the following:

-Who has benefited from the innovation?

-How was the innovation initiated and implemented?

-What risks were associated with planning and developing the innovation?

-What was the environment in which the innovation was created and sustained?

-What were execution costs and savings?

-What lessons were learned that could be shared with other local governments?

-Which department and/or individuals championed the innovation?

• Total page length should be between 3-5 pages.

• We request submissions be made electronically.  Acceptable formats include Word, PDF, Excel and Power Point.
• Additional attachments, if necessary, may be included.

The Selection Process:

Only Alliance for Innovation member governments will be selected.  The award selection committee will review the applications and decide on the winners.

Award Winners:

Award winners are announced annually at the Transforming Local Government Conference.  The Muehlenbeck and Havlick Award winners receive one free registration to the conference. 

For More Information:

Contact Brandi Allen, ballen@transformgov.org, 602.496.1097