Government Innovators Network: A Portal for Democratic Governance and Innovation

A Portal for Innovative Ideas

This portal is produced by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School, and is a marketplace of ideas and examples of government innovation. Browse or search to access news, documents, descriptions of award-winning programs, and information on events in your area of interest related to innovation. Additional resources include:

Register to receive our biweekly newsletter, Innovators Insights, and for invitations to online events.
Ash Institute YouTube Channel.
RSS Feeds are available for each topic area.

The Ash Institute's Innovations in American Government Awards Program, and its affiliated international programs, are integral to the Government Innovators Network. Learn about the IAG program and how to apply.

Ash Institute Concludes Online Series on Sexual Violence
The Ash Institute recently hosted the final online event in a four-part series highlighting innovations and best practices for preventing and responding to sexual violence. More than 1,200 professionals logged in live over the course of the series—cosponsored by the National Institute of Justice. Read the full story.

To access the multimedia archives of this series, please visit: http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/xchat.html. You will be prompted to register for the Government Innovators Network, free of charge.


	Pilot program expansion to improve public health testing States News Service \| January 15, 2009 Topic: Public Health
	New screening of port workers starts: Federal program, similar to state's, intended to boost anti-terror security South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale) \| January 13, 2009 Topic: National Law Enforcement
	Broward Schools using text messages to report dangers Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) \| January 14, 2009 Topic: Adult & Continuing Education
	Governors map out joint effort; Doyle, Pawlenty ask for agencies' efficiency ideas Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) \| January 14, 2009 Topic: Democratization
	City of Baltimore wants Land Bank to streamline selling of vacant properties The Daily Record (Baltimore, MD) \| January 14, 2009 Topic: Banking
	New program will help first-time, low-income moms Vallejo Times Herald (California) \| January 14, 2009 Topic: Public Health
	State creates loan repayment program for Medicaid doctors, dentists States News Service \| January 13, 2009 Topic: Health and Social Services
	Mayor Newsom launches Green Rental Car incentive program US States News \| January 13, 2009 Topic: *Sustainable Development
	New way to keep track of family health history Contra Costa Times (California) \| January 13, 2009 Topic: Health and Social Services
	In new tactic, L.A. goes after gangs' money Christian Science Monitor \| January 15, 2009 Topic: Civil Liberties
	School helps children, parents to find a 'positive tomorrow' The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, OK) \| January 10, 2009 Topic: Special Needs
	Teen Court makes its mark in Brunswick County: Alternative justice for high schoolers celebrates 10 years The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) \| January 9, 2009 Topic: Juvenile Justice
	Students learn the value of canning it: Food preservation can be an inexpensive alternative in a tough economy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania) \| January 12, 2009 Topic: Environmental Education
	Cameras track plowing needs The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts) \| January 6, 2009 Topic: Public Infrastructure
	Cold case playing cards debut at local jails San Bernardino County Sun (California) \| January 11, 2009 Topic: Corrections, Probation & Parole

Social Media for Government
February 9, 2009 - February 12, 2009 | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Strategic Human Capital Management for Government
March 9, 2009 - March 12, 2009 | Washington, DC

FOSE 2009: Where Federal Power Meets Future Power
March 10, 2009 - March 12, 2009 | Wasington, DC

WHAT'S NEW

"Infrastructure: What and How?"

Discussion: January 13–15

Join Stephen Goldsmith and other experts as they talk about the best approaches to infrastructure spending and successful stimulus. NewTalk is hosting this online discussion.

SPOTLIGHTS

Management Insights for Public Managers

Stephen Goldsmith advocates for prudent privatization, observing that political rhetoric often overshadows careful analysis in the privatization debate.

Ash Institute Fellow Addresses Global Financial Crisis

William Overholt recently spoke at the Dubai School of Government on "The Global Financial Crisis: The Real Causes and the Political Obstacles to Real Solutions."

Ash Institute Announces Major Initiative on Effective Governance

Anthony Saich, director of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, has announced an ambitious new initiative linking innovative governance to the world's major social challenges. Among other measures, the Institute will reshape the ways it shares innovative practices and continue its commitment to public leadership through a more focused international network of innovative practitioners and scholars. Read the full press release.

Service to America Medals (Sammies): Call for Nominations

Nominate a federal employee who is doing remarkable work for a Service to America Medal. Each award is accompanied by a cash prize from $3,000 to $10,000. Nominations are due by February 27, 2009.

Awards for Municipal Excellence: Call for Nominations

The National League of Cities and CH2M HILL are pleased to announce the twentieth anniversary of the Awards for Municipal Excellence program in 2009. You are invited to nominate an innovative program in your city that has improved the quality of life for its residents. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2009. For more information, please visit the NLC Website at http:/www.nlc.org/.

ProPublica Prizes for Investigative Governance: Call for Nominations

ProPublica Prizes for Investigative Governance honor each year's outstanding investigative work by governmental bodies in the US. ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2009.

Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Newsletter

The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council was a finalist for the Ash Institute's 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards. You can read their newsletter online or sign up to receive the newsletter via e-mail.

AFFILIATE TOOLS

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PARTNERS

Government Innovators Network was created by a team of distinguished partners, ranging from community-based enterprises to national organizations.

Click here to see the list of partners.