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.

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, project, etc. 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. 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 successfully addressed an important dilemma of public service delivery concerns.
• 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:

• 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 winner.

  Award Winners:
  Award winners were announced during the 2009 TLG conference (Corpus Christi, TX, May 13-15, 2009). In addition, the Muehlenbeck and Havlick Award winners will receive one free registration to the conference.

  Deadline:
  Nominations will be accepted up until Friday, January 29, 2010.

  For more information on the awards program or to apply, please contact Brandi Allen at 602.496.1097 or email ballen@transformgov.org

  2009 Havlick/Muehlenbeck Award Winners:

  2009 J. Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government:  North Richland Hills, TX for Field Activation CathLab

  2009 Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence:  Sarasota County, FL for Economic Stimulus

  2009 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Awards:

• Airdrie, AB (Canada) for Municipal Census Application

• Albermarle County, VA for Family Support Program

• Colleyville, TX for Family Support Program

• Farmer's Branch, TX for Proactive Performance-Based Code Enforcement

• Fort Collins, CO for Climate Wise

• Hickory, NC for Operation No Vacancy

• Manassas, VA for Week of Hope

• Palm Bay, FL for LODIS

• Plano, TX for Concept of Sustainability

• Rock Hill, SC for Community-Wide WiFi

All submissions for the 2009 Havlick and Muehlenbeck Innovation Awards may be found in the members-only section of the Knowledge Center under Learning Resources.