Applications Are Now Being Accepted for 2012 J. Robert Havlick and Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Awards

An innovation is “the creative idea become realized”

The J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government was conceptualized to honor Bob Havlick, founder of IG who retired in 2003. One local government, its internal champion(s), and the innovation will be acknowledged with the J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government.

One local government and its program, initiative, project, etc. will receive the Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence in Local Government. Muehlenbeck served as the City Manager of Plano, TX from 1987 to 2011 and was The Innovation Groups (now the Alliance for Innovation) Board of Directors’ Chair for 10 years.

Several awards will also be given for outstanding achievements in local government innovation.
Criteria for the Awards:

• The submission should demonstrate one or more of the following:
• How it has had a positive impact and 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:

1. A cover sheet with your name, title, jurisdiction, mailing address, phone, fax, and email address.

2. An opening paragraph with the program/project/product, etc. name and a short description of the innovation.

3. A description of your jurisdiction, the history of the situation(s) which gave rise to the innovation’s need, and additional underlying factors.

4. A description of the innovation’s importance, internal impact, and community benefits.

5. Answers to the following:  How is it a quantum leap of creativity? • 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?

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

7. We request submissions be made electronically. Acceptable formats include Word, PDF, Excel, and Power Point.  Submit applications electronically to Brandi Allen at ballen@transformgov.org

8. 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 winner.

Award Winners:

2012 Transforming Local Government Conference(Kansas City, April 18-20). In addition, the Muehlenbeck and Havlick Award winners will receive one free registration to the conference.

Deadline:

The nomination period has ended. 

2011 Havlick/muehlenbeck award winners

J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government:

City of Palm Bay, FL - SOAR: Search Operations Aerial Response

Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence:

City of Hampton, VA - "I Value" Campaign

Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Awards:

City of Arlington, TX - Arlington Urban Design Center
Arlington County, VA - Arlington Reads 2010
City of Lethbridge, AB - Environmental Deconstruction Initaitives by City of Lethbridge
Town of Oro Valley, AZ - Innovation in Finance: Energy Efficiency and Solar Project
City of Plano, TX - Love Where You Live
City of Ranch Cordova, CA - The Three-Legged Stool
City of Sunnyvale, CA - Sunnyvale Works!

the 2011 award submissions may be found in the knowledge network.