The 50 programs were chosen from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants and represent the best and brightest in government. Four criteria were used to evaluate each application: novelty, effectiveness in addressing important problems, significance and the potential for replication by other government entities.
The Digital Court Initiative, from Cherokee County, Ga., was one such semifinalist: a pioneering court technology project that enables ordinary citizens to file cases online, track progress and receive notices from the comfort of home, with little or no cost to taxpayers. This user-friendly interface reduces court call loads, provides alternative payment processes and enhances public information and safety.
Access to Social Services from Pennsylvania is a public-facing online tool that allows the public to self-screen and apply for services that will help them reach self-sufficiency. It provides extended accessibility of the social service application process to public users and business partners.
Among the semifinalist programs are 10 at the federal level, three charter schools, and one from an American Indian Nation. The selections recognize public-sector innovations from 15 separate states -- including nine from California -- and 21 localities and include innovators in education, electronic government, environmental quality, management and human services.
Of the 50 programs, a competitive process will choose 15 finalists to be announced in March. The National Selection Committee -- chaired by David R. Gergen, editor-at-large of U.S. News & World Report and director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University -- will then choose five winning programs, which will be announced on July 28, 2004 in Washington, D.C.
