Welcome to the Efficient GovNetwork
The Efficient Government Network is a group of Northeast Ohio stakeholders, primarily from political subdivisions (aka cities, counties, school boards etc.) who convene, connect and share ideas and best practices for local government collaboration.
Created in the fall of 2010, the Network grew out of the EfficientGovNow contest (supported by the Fund for Our Economic Future and Advance Northeast Ohio). This competition gave birth to innovative ideas - and action - that targeted collaboration and efficiency. Now, the Network’s mission is to continue the momentum in the region and hopefully beyond.
The Network’s goals? To educate and encourage more leaders to join those who have already taken the plunge (and the risk, which there is) and support these folks to take action (and yes, risk) (which these experience is showing can pay off in planned and unplanned but welcome ways).
So what’s all this about Collaboration?
No one definition or method for collaboration can sum up what it is and how you do it. But what we know is that it can be an unique problem solving tool in an era of diminishing resources and increasing demands on local government.
Why bother? Because we said so! (just kidding) Because of these reasons and many others that explain why it’s the rage and not just here. Engagement with the Network can lead to:
- Cost savings
- Improved service delivery
- Simplicity in government
- Regional prosperity
- Shared data collection
- Building on successes
- Setting standards for best practices
Maybe you’ve already been involved in government collaboration and you haven’t even called it that, but you should and you could do more. The Network can get you started!
Who Is Behind This
The Efficient Gov Network is a collaboration among local government officials, employees and those generally interested in a more collaborative and efficient local government structure in Northeast Ohio. The Network is supported by The Fund for Our Economic Future and Advanced Northeast Ohio.
The intention of the EfficientGovNetwork engagement project is to engage elected officials, community/government relations professionals and citizens throughout Northeast Ohio on local government collaboration and efficiency efforts, opportunities and challenges.
FAQ
Got more questions about this project? Check out some answers and let us know if you don't see an answer to your question.
Sponsors
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Read the Innovation Fund Policies NOW
Round Two (Loans only) Deadline: June 1, 2012
More materials about LGIF here.
EGN RSS Government Collaboration In the News
Bentleyville rejects plans to combine police services
http://www.cleveland.com
BENTLEYVILLE Mayor Leonard Spremulli has been approached by surrounding communities about the possibility of consolidating police services repeated times over the past two months, but currently the village is uninterested. The talks are in the same vein as Cuyahoga County's recommendation that communities consolidate emergency dispatch centers and update 911 center equipment.
UPDATE: Regional Emergency Services a Growing Trend
http://beachwood.patch.com
We are hearing about more and more cities joining forces to cut costs on emergency services. Pepper Pike could move its emergency dispatch services to the Beachwood Police Department, said Police Chief Mark Sechrist. "The beauty of this one is that we're going to be able to do this and maintain the same level service for everyone," Sechrist added.
Pepper Pike to move dispatch to Beachwood as early as July
http://www.cleveland.com
By Brittney Edelman bedelman@sunnews.com PEPPER PIKE - Following recommendations from Mayor Richard Bain and the city's fire and police departments, council members voted May 15 to begin contract negotiations to move dispatch services to Beachwood. This opportunity will enhance the partnership Pepper Pike already has with Beachwood police and the fire department, Bain said.
County Health Alliance kicks off pilot program
http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com
To illustrate the severity of the issue, county officials site the 2012 County Health Rankings, which show Cuyahoga County ranked 65th out of Ohio's 88 counties in health outcomes, which weigh mortality and morbidity measures.
Fairfield Medical to receive award for innovation
http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com
LANCASTER -- The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging will honor Fairfield Medical Center with the 2012 Outstanding Service to Seniors award for leadership in older adult care at the 2012 Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony, slated for 1 p.m. May 16 at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus.
Parma may share information technology services with six counties
http://www.cleveland.com
For weeks Mayor Tim DeGeeter has talked about the city possibly sharing information technology services with Cuyahoga County. Now, thanks to a new initiative by another nearby county, DeGeeter's idea may grow exponentially. Stark County has proposed studying whether it and five other county governments - along with Parma - can save money and become more efficient by sharing IT services.
Akron Ohio News - Norton moving toward joint dispatch with Barberton, Copley
http://www.akron.com
By Maria Lindsay NORTON - At an April 27 special meeting, Norton City Council voted 5-0 to approve an agreement with Barberton and Copley for the application of a $300,000 Ohio Local Government Innovation Fund loan to establish a joint dispatch facility. Council members Todd Bergstrom (Ward 1) and Scott Pelot (at large) were excused from the meeting.
Detroit budget debate: With all these cuts, who's going to cut the grass?
http://www.mlive.com
Abstract figures gave way to talk of concrete cuts on Wednesday, as the Detroit City Council continued its review of Mayor Dave Bing's proposed 2012-13 budget. Director of General Services Bradley Dick explained to Council his plan to boost efficiency and reduce service in the face of a proposed $8.59 million funding cut to his department, which handles various shared services for other city agencies.
The Network
Comprised of government officials and employees, the public and others -- will help convene, connect and share ideas and best practices for local government collaboration.
Innovation Fund
The Local Government Innovation Fund (LGIF) is a program within the Ohio Department of Development. It will provide financial assistance to Ohio political subdivisions. The assistance is for planning and implementing projects that seek to create efficient and effective government service delivery for one or more entities.
Reports & Other Resources
Government collaboration is a subject area that has been discussed for decades. Numerous reports, studies and articles have been released on the subject area.
Podcasts
Hear interviews and commentary from officials across the region about how collaboration efforts have been implemented in their community.
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