Committed to Innovation

Innovation in the public sector requires dedicated individuals willing to take time and effort needed to make changes and improve programs. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” The programs and projects highlighted in this issue of the Digest, illustrate the successful commitment of NADO members to improving their communities and the lives of individual citizens.

The projects described illustrate the broad array of services and programs provided by NADO member organizations. They exemplify the benefits of regional partnerships in both cost saving and improved service delivery. Many of the projects are using technology to improve economic, community and human development in small towns and rural counties across the country.

The summaries provide an overview of the myriad needs in small metropolitan and rural America – homebuyer education, stormwater runoff, microenterprise lending, Geographic Information Systems; brownfields redevelopment, E-Commerce for small business, computer training for youth and elderly, transportation planning that is sensitive to the environment and dozens of other topics.

Many of these projects were identified as part of a comprehensive economic development planning process and have taken years to accomplish. They illustrate the need for long-term commitment from local policy boards and technical expertise by regional development professionals. Innovation requires both policymakers and staff to consider investments that will pay dividends to communities in jobs, incomes and the quality of life.

Many individuals responsible for these programs will participate in the Innovations Award Roundtables at the 35th NADO Annual Training Conference, October 1, 2002 in Reno, Nevada. Since 1986 NADO has recognized innovative projects and enabled thousands of elected officials and development professionals to share ideas and advice about their specific projects. Information about previous year’s projects is available at www.nado.org/nadorf.

Congratulations to all 2002 Innovation Award winners. Special thanks to NADO Research Foundation Research Manager Kelly Novak who administered the awards process and prepared the project summaries.

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