Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy
AG DEVELOPMENT FUND NAMED AMONG TOP 50 GOVERNMENT INNOVATIONS FOR 2007

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—A Kentucky program aimed at diversifying the state’s tobacco-dependent economy is among the 2007 Top 50 Government Innovations named by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government today. All are now semifinalists for the Innovations in American Government Awards and are eligible to win one of seven $100,000 grants.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund provides capital for innovative projects that help diversify Kentucky’s tobacco-dependent economy. These investments include local and state projects, designed to increase farm income and create sustainable farm enterprises.

“Government agencies today must have the ability to respond efficiently to the ever-changing needs of citizens,” said Stephen Goldsmith, Director of the Innovations in American Government Program. “We are pleased to recognize these programs that have capitalized on creative thinking to increase the effectiveness of government.”

The Top 50 programs represent government agencies at the federal, state, county and city levels were selected for their novelty and creativity, effectiveness at addressing significant issues and their potential to be replicated by other jurisdictions. Chosen from nearly 1,000 applicants, they represent government’s best efforts across a variety of policy areas, ranging from education to the environment, criminal justice to health care, and management to community development. To download the full list of Top 50 programs, visit http://www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu.

“The programs represent the very best of public management,” Ash Institute Director Gowher Rizvi added. “We are honored to highlight innovative practices that produce renewed confidence in public service.”

Eighteen finalists--selected from among the Top 50 programs--will be announced on May 2. The Innovations in American Government Awards National Selection Committee, chaired by David Gergen, will select seven winners, including two special awards: the Annie E. Casey Innovations Award in Children and Family System Reform, and the Fannie Mae Foundation Award in Affordable Housing. The seven recipients of $100,000 awards will be announced in the fall at a dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Innovations in American Government Awards Program in Washington, D.C.

The Innovations in American Government Award is a program of the Roy Lila Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. The Ash Institute advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, publications, leadership training, global network and awards program—developed in collaboration with a diverse, engaged community of scholars and practitioners—the Ash 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. To learn more, please visit www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu.

	See Also...
	Governor's Response Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy Harvard Ash Institute