The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Public Innovator Award
Award History
Award DescriptionThe Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Public Innovator Award honors public sector teams, which develop creative and unique solutions to improve service delivery, address problems, and demonstrate measurable results. The projects receiving this award serve as "best practices" for innovation in public service. Two winning Innovators from each category will receive $3,250 to continue, evaluate or enhance the project.
GAP presents the Public Innovator Award to six cross-departmental or inter-organizational teams of individuals, who complete innovative projects in one of three categories: design of physical space, e-governance and capacity-building. The winning projects demonstrate enhanced service delivery, resolution of agency issues and measurable benefits to the organization or community.
Established in 1989, GAP is a not-for-profit organization located at DePaul University. GAP's mission is to develop innovative partnerships with government to encourage and strengthen their capacity to deliver excellent services to citizens.
The award is supported by The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, which was founded in 1983. The Driehaus Foundation supports the arts, architecture and design. The Driehaus Foundation is also committed to efforts that encourage and celebrate the enhancement of services and the development of ground-breaking programs in government.
Categories
- Design of Physical Space
A new design or re-design of physical space that results in improved services, increased efficiency, or other measurable outcomes. - E-Governance
The development and/or implementation of new or existing technologies to improve services, provide greater access to constituents, increase efficiency, reduce costs, etc. - Capacity Building
A program or project involving the enhancement of an agency/organization's or several organizations' capacity to deliver services through training, technical assistance, public awareness/education or peer-to-peer exchange/networking.
Criteria
To qualify for the Driehaus Public Innovator Award, the applicant must:
- Demonstrate Innovation;
- Be a unique project based in Illinois;
- Be able to demonstrate results (i.e. cost savings or increased efficiency); and
- Include a community and/or stakeholder input component.
Past Public Innovators
2004 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Public Innovator Awardees
- 2004 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Public Innovator Awardees
- Award Description
- Categories
- Criteria
- 2003 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Public Innovator Awardees
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
"InfoNet"
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), working closely with Illinois'Coalitions Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, designed and implemented InfoNet, a data collection system for victim service providers in Illinois that allows users to transfer data securely over the internet. More than 100 domestic violence and sexual assault programs currently access InfoNet from 150 sites.
Before the availability of a uniform system, providers tallied numbers separately for each funding agency because client and service descriptions varied between funding agencies. InfoNet has eased data collection and reporting efforts for providers. It allows for access to a comprehensive set of report tools that facilitate data analysis and presentation.
State agencies that are responsible for coordinating crime victim services have access to accurate and timely information, which is used to support statewide policy and planning initiatives. InfoNet has fostered collaboration between state entities, as well. Ultimately, InfoNet enhances the quality of services to victims of crime. Data supplied by many different programs is now used at state and local levels to inform and improve Illinois' response to victims of crime.
Evolving Innovator in E-Governance
Chicago Housing Authority
"CHASystems@Work Relocation Services Suite"
CHASystems @Work Relocation Services Suite is a web-enabled series of software applications that was designed to assist the Chicago Housing Authority in its efforts to relocate public housing residents into stable mixed income communities. Applying process re-engineering and strategic application development, the agency created a suite of relocation modules to address various stages in the process. The system provides a single point of contact for the various departments and external agencies to share information and coordinate efforts. This project has resulted in improved data integrity for the agency. It has the potential to be useful for an even wider variety of stakeholders.
Model Innovator in Physical Design
Chicago Department of Aviation
"Midway Airport Terminal Development Program"
In June 2004, the Chicago Department of Aviation celebrated the completion of the historic Midway Airport Terminal Development program. The program was the largest ever undertaken at Midway and marks the first major redevelopment at the airport since the 1950s. The look and feel of Chicago's southwest side airport has changed with the creation of a new 941,000 square foot terminal and major roadway improvements. Funding for the $927 million project came from federal transportation grants, airport generated revenue and passenger facility charges. No state or local tax dollars were used. The department included area residents and local firms in the construction and redevelopment process. Area residents obtained construction jobs or apprenticeships through the Midway Partners for Economic Development.
The positive effects of Midway's redevelopment may be felt far beyond the airport as local businesses quickly realized the financial opportunities surrounding Midway. Midway is a driving force for southwest side businesses. Recent development demonstrates the airport's ability to generate jobs by creating a marketplace for new amenities for travelers and the local community.
Evolving Innovator in Physical Design
Chicago Department of Aging
"Satellite Senior Centers"
Through the Neighborhoods Alive initiative, the Chicago Department on Aging learned that seniors wanted more recreation closer to their neighborhoods. After evaluating top senior populated neighborhoods, the department selected ten neighborhoods in which to create satellite senior centers. The features in the centers include a fitness area, wellness program, computer classes, dining areas, media room, and library. All satellite centers, which operate within formerly underutilized city buildings, are owned by the City of Chicago, and operated by social service providers. The project realized a cost savings of $4.5 million.
Model Innovator in Capacity Building
Chicago Department of Public Health
"Chicago Center for Community Partnerships"
The primary purpose of the Chicago Center for Community Partnerships (the Center) is to increase the capacity of communities to actively participate in and affect the priorities and resources of Chicago's public health system. Major program components include: (a) the establishment of a linked network of community-based coalitions; (b) the development and implementation of community health improvement plans; and (c) the provision of technical and other support from the city health department and its Chicago Partnership for Public Health.
Supported by CDPH and the Chicago Partnership for Public Health, community coalitions in five communities engage in planning processes to identify needs and resources within their neighborhoods, develop strategies and implement priority activities. The Center provides funding to local coalitions and community coordinators, staff to deliver technical assistance, and arranges for coalitions training. The Center's impact is being seen in the participating communities. CDPH also experienced new partnerships, increased opportunities for collaboration and a new way of doing business.
Evolving Innovator in Capacity Building
Winnebago County Highway Department
"Centralized Agencies Permitting System"
The Centralized Agencies Permitting System (CAPS) provides a one-stop shop for oversize/overweight permits in Winnebago County. Utilizing technology, the department is able to track permits and fees, and to efficiently handle the 5,000 permits received each year.
The major results and impacts of CAPS have been the reduced time and paperwork for permits. The permit system has been streamlined so that only one phone call is required and only one fee is collected for all 24 agencies in Winnebago County. The implementation of CAPS is significantly more convenient for businesses to do business in Winnebago County.
2003 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Public Innovator Awardees
E-Governance:
Chicago Transit Authority
"Implementation of ProjectNet"
Physical Design:
Chicago Department of Environment
"Green Initiatives"
Capacity-Building:
Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
"Cook County Integrated Criminal Justice Information Systems Strategic Plan"