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Welcome to the redesigned Innovators Insights newsletter from the Government Innovators Network.
Government Innovators Network 
 
February 12, 2015
In This Issue

In the News

Data-Smart City Solutions

Better, Faster, Cheaper

IN THE NEWS


2020 census likely to use Internet, smartphones

The US Census Bureau plans to enter the digital age for the upcoming 2020 census, testing digital tools to make the process more efficient. As part of this modernization, Americans may have the option of filling out their census forms online and follow-up census takers may use their smartphones instead of paper forms to finish demographic counts. Tests of these methods will take place in Savannah, Georgia, and Maricopa County, Arizona. If successful, the changes could save taxpayers millions of dollars and provide instant data collection and analysis.

Why Illinois May Become a National Model for Retirement Saving

Illinois has adopted a unique plan to get its residents to invest for retirement through automatic enrollment in a state savings program for private-sector workers whose employer do not offer a 401(k) or similar plan. Beginning in 2017, the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program will require employers in business for at least two years and employing 25 or more workers to either offer their own retirement savings plan or automatically enroll employees in the newly created state plan (if the employee does not opt-out), with 3 percent of each paycheck deducted to fund the retirement account. The program may become a model for at least 17 other states currently advancing similar measures, especially as there is little taxpayer money on the line to fund it.

Boston launches public website to track development on city-owned parcels

The city of Boston has unveiled an online map to give residents the ability to post comments and track the progress of development on city-owned parcels. The map, which can provide real-time information on 1,300 parcels across the city, is part of a larger goal to ensure public transparency as the city continues to redevelop. The website currently lists 87 active development projects, and each project entry includes renderings and descriptions, as well as the ability to post a comment.

Michigan develops Medicaid apps

Medicaid and other state health patients in Michigan are now able to access medical and health care information remotely thanks to a new app and portal developed by the Michigan Department of Community Health's Bureau of Medicaid Operations. The app, called myHealthButton, allows Medicaid recipients to look up eligible providers in their area, view their medical records, change health insurance information, and track behaviors such as diet and exercise. Over two million Michigan residents may benefit from the app.

New York Broadband Program to offer 100Mbps minimum

New York State has outlined a $1 billion plan to bring broadband access to every New York resident by 2019. Under the New York Broadband Program, the state would invest $500 million to assist the private sector in upgrading its broadband infrastructure and distributing it to underserved areas and would encourage the private sector to match the state investment. The New York plan would quadruple the current proposed FCC minimum broadband download speed description of 25Mbps. The co-investment plan resembles a current partnership between the New Zealand government and private telecommunications companies.

New program would use cell phones to track, reform offenders

Corrections officials in Allen County, Indiana, are looking to use cell phones in addition to ankle bracelets to track the location of released offenders and hopefully lower the recidivism rate. Under the state-funded pilot, “smart” phone devices that offenders carry will not only allow officials to better monitor offender whereabouts, but also allow them to communicate in real-time, helping to remind participants about meetings with probation officers, job interviews, and other activities. Officials note that if the pilot is successful in helping people stay out of jail, costs will be reduced for the county and cell-phone monitoring may become a permanent feature.

DATA-SMART CITY SOLUTIONS


The Rise of the Data Scientists

Data fluency has become a skill of increased importance in government and policy. Truly taking advantage of the power of big data often requires workers with specialized skills. Cue the rise of data scientists and the growth in programs to train them.

BETTER, FASTER, CHEAPER


Harnessing Data to Fight Crime

Police in a Maryland county combined analytics with aggressive goals to put a serious dent in armed robberies. Their results offer an important example of how modern data analytics, the courage to set challenging goals, and a liberal dose of creativity can help governments do more in austere times.

ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER


Innovators Insights is the news digest from the Government Innovators Network on the latest in government innovations. This digest is sent out every two weeks and is compiled and written by the editorial staff of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. In each issue, the editorial team identifies top policy and programmatic news that is related to government innovations so that you can stay informed about creative government at its best.

Editor: Jessica Engelman
Researcher & Writer: Brendan St. Amant
Note: The stories in this newsletter link to source articles on other websites and may not be available after a certain length of time.



ABOUT THE ASH CENTER


The Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, education, international programs, and government innovations awards, the Center fosters creative and effective problem solving and serves as a catalyst for addressing many of the most pressing needs of the world's citizens. The Ford Foundation is a founding donor of the Center. Additional information about the Ash Center is available at http://ash.harvard.edu.

 
 
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