ORANGE, CA (MAY 18, 2017) – The Association of California Cities– Orange County (ACC- OC)— the region’s leading public policy, strategy, education and advocacy group—was thrilled to announce the winners of the organization’s lauded Sixth Annual “Golden Hub of Innovation” awards at a vibrant lunch ceremony on Fri. May 12, 2017 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA.
Over 150 attendees gathered to celebrate award nominees, whose inventive public policy programs are designed to drive efficiencies and productivity in the application of city spending initiatives.
“Across Orange County, city and business leaders are developing and implementing game- changing ideas, methodologies and processes that are improving cities and creating tangible, substantive and positive differences for citizens,” said Heather Stratman, ACC-OC Chief Executive Officer. “This year we wanted to not only recognize the winning submissions, but also acknowledge the extraordinary work of all participants who take pride in their professions and their communities.”
As in previous years, dozens of applications were vetted by an incomparable panel of judges representing a notable and influential cross-section of academic, commercial and civic talent from Orange County.
- Professor Jay Barbuto – California State University Fullerton, Mihaylo College of Business
- Honorable Laurie Davies – City of Laguna Niguel
- Carolyn Emery – Executive Officer, Local Agency Formation Commission
- Tina Javid – Regional Affairs Manager, Southern California Gas Company
- Chip Monaco – Municipal Market Manager, Orange County Waste Management
- Mal Richardson – Best, Best & Krieger
“These awards are about more than any one project,” said Stratman. “They represent the concerted efforts of teams of dedicated professionals who are improving their municipalities with transformational ideas that can become best practices for cities nationwide.”
The ACC-OC commends innovation leaders in areas ranging from public safety to public-private partnerships, environmental quality and community investment. Additionally, individual awards were expanded this year to recognize and honor the most outstanding public servants
TECHNOLOGY e-GOVERNMENT: Nominations for this category showcase how technology has cut costs and improved efficiency, passing savings on to taxpayers.
- City of Anaheim, Homeless Census
- Moulton Niguel Water District, California Data Collaborative
CITY PROGRAMS/ DEPARTMENTS-PUBLIC SAFETY: Nominations for this category detail operational efficiencies and enhancements and how they saved taxpayer dollars or improved public safety.
- City of Garden Grove Police Department, Special Resource Team
- Orange County Sherriff’s Department Lake Forest, Homeless Liaison Program
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Nominations in this category explain how a project increases efficiency, exceeds environmental standards, and/or brings cost savings to taxpayers.
- City of Anaheim, Schools Efficiency Partnership Program
- Irvine Ranch Water District, Energy Storage Program
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: Nominations in this category explore how a partnership generated an item, program or service in ways that saved taxpayer resources, improved the lives of constituents and served as a model for other public agencies.
- City of Fountain Valley, Economic Development Programs
- City of Tustin/ Orange County Rescue Mission, Tustin Veterans Outpost
- City of Garden Grove & Developer MC Whinney, The Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT: Nominations in this category detail the economic activity generated by a program or idea, or the non-tangible benefits that residents enjoy.
- City of Orange, Teens—4– Team Orange
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Nominations in this category explain how an agency reached out to residents, encouraged dialogue, raised awareness or solved a problem in the most transparent manner possible.
- Orange County Social Services Agency, Mobile Response Vehicle Civic Center Outreach
- County of Orange, Orange County Waste and Recycling, Landfill Tour Program
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR: The innovator of the year recognizes an outstanding individual who has championed innovation as the key to public policy solutions.
- Orange County Information Technology, Charles Eckstrom
CITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR: The City Manager of the Year recognizes a leader who stands out by encouraging collaboration between local governments, fosters new ideas and tackles the county’s top issues with real solutions.
- City of Placentia, Damien Arrula City of Tustin, Jeff Parker
CITY ELECTED OF THE YEAR: The City Elected of the Year recognizes a local elected official who has been instrumental in demanding and implementing innovations that enhance city services.
- City of La Habra, James Gomez
CITY STAFFER OF THE YEAR: The City Staffer of the Year recognizes a city staff member who has been invaluable in implementing public policy for their community.
- City of Huntington Beach, Chris Cole
A complete synopsis of the winning submissions can be found in the annual ACC-OC Compendium of Ideas, which provides a blueprint on actionable initiatives that cities can implement to improve their communities.
For more information about the Golden Hub of Innovation Award winners or the ACC-OC, visit www.accoc.org or call (714) 953-1300.
ABOUT THE ACC-OC:
The Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as the hub for good public policy and a strong voice for Orange County’s cities. Comprised of members representing both the public and private sectors, ACC- OC is committed to protecting local control and revenues while offering a vast array of benefits and resources for city staff and elected representatives. Learn more at www.accoc.org.
