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15 INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS NAMED FINALISTS FOR PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN GOVERN... Page 1 of3 The. Innovations in American Government A wards April 20, 2005 3261 ! ~~ JuaVAIlt) t L' N I \' t It!lt t y ."."."1 JOHN r KENN~DY SCHOOL Of GOvEIlNMeNr - ~ ~- l'BE COUNCIL FOR ~~~CL" IN GOVERNMENT For Immediate Release Contact: EIGHTEEN PIONEERING INITIATIVES RECOGNIZED FOR GOVERNMENT "OSCAR" Best and Brightest From Public Sector Eligible for $100,000 Prize (CAMBRIDGE, MA) -Eighteen government initiatives--ranging from a federal website to a city program that engages young people in local public management--have been named finalists for the prestigious Innovations in American Government Award, a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. The creative and forward thinking efforts are now eligible for one of six $100,000 award prizes in what is often called the "Oscars" of government. "These efforts represent the best and brightest in government innovations," said Gowher Rizvi, Director of the Ash Institute. "Each takes a creative approach to a significant problem. It is our honor to shine a bright light on them and to encourage other government entities to replicate them." The eighteen finalists--selected from more than 1,000 applicants--are: Adolescent Portable Therapy in New York City--a drug-treatment program for young people that addresses the transient nature of the juvenile justice system. The "portable" therapy and staff follow teens as they move between facilities and agencies to avoid a break in service delivery. Advanced Language Program in Lexington, KY --combines classroom training and cultural immersion that gives police the necessary skills to provide essential services to a rapidly growing Spanish speaking community. Charter Agencies in the State of Iowa--redirects energy from bureaucratic requirements into innovation. The agencies volunteer to be accountable for measurable customer benefits and contribute savings/revenues. In return, the State exempts them from many bureaucratic requirements. Corridor Housing Strategy in Minneapolis, MN--enlists neighborhood organizations to increase affordable housing along major urban corridors. The initiative uses transit-oriented development principles to foster housing growth tied to transportation and jobs. Global Development Alliance at the U.S. Agency for International Development--combines the resources and expertise of the public and private sectors to improve the lives of people in the developing world. The program links U.S. foreign assistance with resources from business, non-governmental organizations and philanthropies for international development and humanitarian activities. Housing & Conservation Board in the State of Vermont--is a state supported funding agency that conserves working farms and other naturallhistoric resources while supporting affordable housing and community development. -more- Innovations A wardJPage Two http://www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu/Ashlpr_2005f_ash.htm 7/13/2005 - I