EfficientGovNow

A government efficiency and collaboration program of the Fund for Our Economic Future designed to promote government collaboration and efficiency across Northeast Ohio.

Geographic Scope: Northeast Ohio (16-county region)

Focus Areas:

• Government collaboration and efficiency initiatives
• Regional information technology systems
• Joint transportation facilities
• Public health services consolidation
• Storm water systems
• Emergency dispatch coordination
• Fleet management collaboration
• Economic development zone planning

Eligibility:

• Projects must involve at least two governmental partners
• Must be ready for implementation
• Must demonstrate how it could be replicated
• Must show ways cost savings would be reinvested to promote economic growth
• Must involve partnerships of governmental entities

Award Structure:

• Total of $300,000 available
• Awards to as many as three projects
• Public voting determines winners

Contact Information:

• Phone: 216-456-9800
• Email: info@thefundneo.org
• Website: www.EfficientGovNow.org
• Address: 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 400, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Background: Program launched in 2009 to encourage government collaboration and efficiency proposals from Northeast Ohio governments. Received 65 initial project abstracts, narrowed to 39 qualified proposals, then 9 finalists determined for public voting.

Application Process

1. Submit Project Abstract: Initial phase where government partnerships submit brief project summaries
2. Public Comment Period: Abstracts posted online for public review and comment
3. Submit Full Proposal: Qualifying projects submit detailed full proposals (deadline: May 31 for 2009 cycle)
4. Finalist Selection: Fund selects 9 finalists from qualified proposals based on baseline criteria
5. Public Voting: Residents of Northeast Ohio vote for winning projects
   • Voting period: July 1 - July 31 (for 2009 cycle)
   • Voting methods:
   • Online at www.EfficientGovNow.org
   • Phone: 1-877-771-5206
   • Mail-in ballot (available at libraries throughout Northeast Ohio)
   • Each individual may cast only one ballot
6. Winner Announcement: Top three vote-getters announced in early August

Required Materials

• Project abstract (initial submission)
• Full project proposal (detailed submission)
• Documentation of government partnerships involved
• Implementation readiness evidence
• Replication plan
• Cost-savings reinvestment strategy

Additional Information

• Proposals posted online for public review
• Public engagement in voting process is central to program design