----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "newsletter-15...@innovations.harvard.edu" <newsletter-15...@innovations.harvard.edu> To: arbieba...@yahoo.com Sent: Fri, July 23, 2010 6:47:13 PM Subject: Innovators Insights | July 23, 2010 ======================================== INNOVATORS INSIGHTS (plain text version) ======================================== July 23, 2010 WHAT'S NEW: MANAGEMENT INSIGHTS FOR PUBLIC MANAGERS =================================================== A <em>Governing.com</em> Series Feather O'Connor Houston examines a plan in Philadelphia to build a greener, more sustainable stormwater system that may well blast green infrastructure into the mainstream. SPOTLIGHT: NEW WEBINAR: THE ROLE OF PROCUREMENT IN SOCIAL INNOVATION FUNDING ============================================================================= Join us on July 29 at 3:30 pm (EDT) for a free Webinar analyzing proven innovations to derive common sense [ http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/spotlight.html?id=2451 ] strategies for producing extraordinary change. Registration required. NEWS ======================================== ACCESSIBILITY ============= The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has made life easier for traveling pets, [ http://www.wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=1999184 ] opening several pet relief areas at Reagan National and Washington Dulles. The areas not only provide travelers with an additional option for their animals, but also comply with recent federal requirements for airports to provide relief areas for service animals. The areas feature mock-ups of fake fire hydrants, artificial grass, and doggie bags. EDUCATION AND TRAINING ====================== To help prepare new teachers for the rigors of the classroom, the University of Central Florida has created a [ http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/redir.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoda y.com%2Fnews%2Feducation%2F2010-07-07-IHE-avatars-teacher-training07_ST_N. htm%3Fcsp%3D34news%26amp%3Bamp%3Butm_source%3Dfeedburner%26amp%3Bamp%3Butm _medium%3Dfeed%26amp%3Bamp%3Butm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BUsatodaycomNation- TopStories%2B%2528News%2B-%2BNation%2B-%2BTop%2BStories%2529 ] virtual classroom populated by avatars, computer simulated representations of students to train and test teachers. The teacher-candidate stands in front of a projection screen on which there are avatar-students who are controlled by real acting students, behaving as the type of student they represent. Another operator controls random non-speaking outbursts. Teacher-trainers can then gauge whether the teacher s interaction with the students and his choice of disciplinary methods are satisfactory. The university is partnering with other colleges to implement and improve the program. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION ===================== In California, [ http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcs_MeYlVxNNsFVNyEp45OZ5 2G7QD9GSD2980 ] schools are looking to Hollywood to help ease the burden of budget cuts by allowing producers of television programs, movies, and commercials to pay them to film on campus. Movie shoots can bring in fees ranging from $3,100 to $5,500 per day, which can help save teachers jobs and improve campus facilities. Allowing filming to take place is not without controversy, however, as it can distract students and interrupt school operations. CRIME PREVENTION ================ In Poway, California, near San Diego, the city s skateboard park uses surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and now a [ http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/redir.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10news. com%2Fnews%2F24202545%2Fdetail.html ] fingerprint scanner at the park s entrance to control access to its facilities. Visitors are also required to have their fingerprints and photos on file with the city. The controversial measure is designed to reduce vandalism, drug use, and other problems at the park. ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT ========================= This article discusses the growing number of states that are [ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703609004575354913893708970. html?mod=rss_whats_news_us&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campa ign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Fxml%2Frss%2F3_7011+%28WSJ.com%3A+What%27s+News+US%29 ] transitioning from guaranteed pensions for their workers to plans that have characteristics of traditional 401(k) plans. These cost-saving hybrid plans, which include investments in a 401(k)-type fund as well as a defined benefit component, are already in use in six states and will soon be implemented in Michigan and Utah. Observers note that the shift could make government work less appealing. RURAL POLICY ============ The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new effort to encourage owners of farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily provide recreational access to the public. Under the [ http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/jul/08/new-program-encourages-rural-land owners-rent-prope/ ] Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, state and tribal governments will receive up to $50 million in grants through 2012 to expand or create programs and provide incentives for opening public access to activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. It is hoped that the move will stimulate rural economies. RECYCLING ========= The Department of Public Works in Laurel, Maryland, has made recycling mandatory for residents living in single family homes and townhouses. To enforce this mandate, the department has [ http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/redir.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washing tonpost.com%2Fwp-dyn%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F2010%2F06%2F30%2FAR201006300292 4.html ] installed radio frequency identification tags on recycling bins to track compliance. Mandatory recycling not only increases revenues for the city from fines, but it also reduces dumping costs and improves the environment. The program is being piloted in one of the city s neighborhoods, and if it is successful, it could be expanded to other areas. RENEWABLE RESOURCES =================== Los Angeles is using 120 goats [ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128411947&utm_source= feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoodNewsGazette+%28Good+Ne ws+Gazette%29 ] to mow grass and weeds in a steep hillside city park. These natural mowers are not only less expensive then conventional methods, but are also more environmentally friendly, as they reduce the state s carbon footprint and the need for weed killers. RENEWABLE ENERGY ================ Paris is looking to [ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/25/business/energy-environment/25iht-rbogau to.html?src=busln ] deploy a fleet of 3,000 electric cars that customers can pick up and drop off at 1,000 rental stands around the city and surrounding region. The hope is that the Autolib program will help reduce pollution and some of the city s traffic problems, and boost public acceptance of electric cars. Some concerns include thefts of the cars valuable lithium ion batteries, the current lack of electric car infrastructure, and the availabiility of spaces for the rental stands in the crowded city. Bids for the public-private partnership have already been submitted, and the cars are scheduled for rental in September 2011. ANNOUNCEMENTS ======================================== FEWER RULES, MORE RESULTS ========================= In the early 20th century, the Progressive Era transformed municipal government, greatly improving operations and ending the culture of corruption that preceded it. The current fiscal crisis demands change. It s time for a Post-Progressive Era, one predicated on [ http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/post-progressive-government-fewer-rules -more-results.html ] creating public value as efficiently as possible. CREATING AN ETHICS-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION ====================================== You can t create an [ http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/creating-ethics-organization.html ] ethical organization overnight, but once you start, you ll find lots of opportunities to teach the organization s code of ethics. Most people in the organization will feel better about working there, and the few who won't will start thinking about going somewhere where ethical behavior isn't encouraged. FINDING AND SPREADING GOOD IDEAS ================================ Necessity is the mother of invention. Two new [ http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/finding-spreading-good-ideas.html ] how-to guides for public innovators could prove very useful for public officials who need to find better, faster, cheaper ways of getting the job done. NEWSLETTER INFORMATION ======================================== NOTE: The articles in this issue will remain active for approximately 90 days. You were emailed this "Innovators Insights" of the latest government innovations news because you are a registered user of Government Innovators Network who previously asked to receive it. Please feel free to forward this message to colleagues. To unsubscribe, first login to http://innovations.harvard.edu using your email address and password. Once you are logged in, choose "User profile" from the top right corner, then uncheck the box at the bottom labeled "Innovators Insights", and click the "Update Your Profile" button at the bottom of the page. About the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation The Roy and Lila Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, education, international programs, and government innovations awards, the Institute fosters creative and effective government problem-solving and serves as a catalyst for addressing many of the most pressing needs of the world's citizens. Asia Programs, a school-wide initiative integrating Asia-related activities, joined the Ash Institute in July 2008. The Ford Foundation is a founding donor of the Institute. Additional information about the Ash Institute is available at http://www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu. For more information about the Government Innovators Network, please visit http://www.innovations.harvard.edu.
