The Innovations in American Government Award administered by the Ash Center at the Harvard Kennedy School is again looking for nominations for innovative government programs, including in the category of community and economic development. The deadline is March 1st.

Winners of the Innovations competition are eligible for awards of up to $100,000 for replication and dissemination. You may apply directly or you can be referred through an adviser to the program, which assures that program staff will follow up with you to make sure you are eligible and that you successfully complete the application.

This year, as in 2010, I am serving in an advisory role and charged to scout out good candidates. If you know a government program that’s eligible (please see this document for guidelines), especially in the economic-development area, please get in touch with me, and I’ll make sure the Ash Center staff get your name and follow up with you.

Public-private partnerships, which are common in my end of the economic-development world, should know that only programs administered under the authority of one or more governmental entities are eligible (federal, state, local, tribal and territorial).

If you apply, good luck!

• Innovations in American Government Awards Background
• 2012 Award Announcement