Dr. Keon Chi State Governance Transformation Award Winners
Wisconsin Minnesota Collaboration Project (2009)
The project is a nation-leading effort by these states to improve government efficiency by sharing services. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty jointly announced the Project on March 31, 2009. Wisconsin Governor Doyle noted, “We are committed to taking action now and building on these efforts in the future.” Minnesota Governor Pawlenty said, “These challenging times provide us an opportunity to make state government more accountable and efficient.” They signed executive orders requiring agencies in both states to meet with their counterparts and come up with ideas to collaborate within 45 days. The meetings identified more than 80 projects under six broad categories: Joint Procurement, Cross Border Collaboration; IT Systems; Reciprocity, Shared Resources; and Sharing Best Practices. Examples include bulk purchasing tires for state fleets, coordinating pest and invasive species control, and sharing data to improve tax collections and reduce tax fraud. For more information, download the full Wisconsin Minnesota Collaboration Report at www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=16272.
Washington Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) (2008)
GMAP is a management tool that relies on performance measures and a disciplined approach to executive decision-making to achieve better results. Seven principles define the GMAP philosophy and practice:
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Engage the leader(s) at the top or the organization:
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Do not measure for measurement's sake:
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Develop and use timely and accurate performance data to set targets and make informed decisions:
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Reward candor in identifying and diagnosing performance barriers and creativity and commitment to overcoming them:
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When the data indicates needed action. quickly and clearly specify what needs to be done, who will do it, and when it will be done:
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Persistent follow up and clear accountability; and
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Create a continuous learning environment.
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire and her leadership team use these principles in a variety of GMAP activities, many of which link to regular public forums to talk about how state agencies are delivering services to citizens. These GMAP forums are organized around one or more high·priority issues: economic development, health care, public safety, transportation, government efficiency and others. The conversations are candid. and questions are direct and challenging. The approach allows the governor and her agencies to understand why certain results are occurring: to authorize changes if necessary: and to set expectations for future performance. By revisiting the issues regularly. the governor is able to follow up to make sure results meet expectations.
Washington officials and the public can also view information about state agency performance in GMAP reports. These reports include data, analysis and action plans to improve agency performance. Action plans list what will be done, who is responsible to get it done and when it will be completed.
Other GMAP activities include coordinating agency performance audits, researching best practices and new measures. consulting to improve internal agency processes and technical training. Helping state agencies communicate with citizens in clear and simple language, whether spoken or written, is a priority for the program.
GMAP began in 2005 and has lead to improved state performance In a variety of areas. Examples include:
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Containing prescription drug costs for public employees and citizens;
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Significantly increasing the speed with which social workers respond to complaints of child abuse and neglect;
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Reducing unanticipated employee leave by nearly half at the stale Health Care Authority; and
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Reducing error rates on tax returns and food stamp benefits.
Contact Larisa Benson, director, at (360) 902·0676 or visit www.accountability.wa.gov.