Award-winning cities improve their communities
Winners of the 2007 National League of Cities Awards for Municipal Excellence were chosen for their effective collaborations, strategic outlooks, economic development, affordable housing, environmental initiatives and preparations for an aging population. The winners were recognized at the Congress of Cities in New Orleans in November 2007. An in-depth description of each program is online at www.nlc.org in the Awards and Recognition section.
GOLD WINNERS
Lenexa, Kan.
Rain to Recreation, A Watershed Management Program
Population Category: Under 50,000
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Balances flood control with recreation space.
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Improves water quality using native vegetation, and new lakes were built to retain water.
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Funded by a one-eighth-cent sales tax, a stormwater utility fee and a capital development charge.
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Policies of water quality and protection of natural resources are integrated into all city activities, such as street alignment and development, plan review and construction site inspections.
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Educates the public about water quality.
New Haven, Conn.
Elm City Immigration Project
Population Category: 50,001 – 150,000
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A collaboration between the city, faith-based organizations, financial and educational institutions, and community members to strengthen the relationship between the city and its immigrant community while improving public safety.
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Includes creating a multi-purpose municipal identification card for all residents and an Office of New Residents, and translating documents to Spanish.
Plano, Texas
Management Preparation Program of Plano (MP3)
Population Category: 150,001 – 500,000
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A 12-month preparation program to enhance managers’ ability to compete for promotions.
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Includes Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Public Relations, and Teaming/Decision-making training.
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Coaches work with participants for a minimum of eight hours per month to share their knowledge of organizational culture, processes and expectations.
Milwaukee
Lapham Park Venture
Population Category: Over 500,001
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The nation’s first assisted-living community for low-income seniors in a public housing development.
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Brings together practitioners in planning, housing, gerontology and social services to provide on-site, integrated care.
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Has reduced Medicaid nursing home costs by more than $1 million annually.
SILVER WINNERS
Selma, Ala.
TRUSTBuild
Population Category: Under 50,000
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A community development and outreach strategy to build trust between residents and city government.
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Neighborhood sweeps correct deficiencies in city departments and identify code violations and community nuisances.
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Community Outreach Department liaisons and police officers visit residents to distribute information from community partners and city departments.
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Requires continuous collaboration with many public and private agencies, faith-based organizations and the city.
Tinley Park, Ill.
Economic Development Plan for Success
Population Category: 50,001 – 150,000
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An aggressive plan funded with municipal general revenue designed to expand the tax base and encourage diverse and sustainable economic development.
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Has created a broad tax base supported by manufacturing, health care, office, education, distribution, retail, service, transportation, communication, entertainment and hospitality.
Pembroke Pines, Fla.
State Hospital Campus: Human Services Collaborations and Redevelopment
Population Category: 150,001 – 500,000
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Began developing in 1998 when the Florida legislature mandated that the state privatize mental health care.
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The city-managed campus includes:
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City-constructed, 60-unit transitional residential treatment complex and Early Development Center to serve women and their families as the women recover from substance abuse.
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City-constructed 586 affordable rental apartments for senior citizens; 220 more apartments were scheduled to be ready for occupancy by December 2007.
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Facilities for disaster emergency services and support.
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Critical recovery, rehabilitation and health services provided by private for-profit and not-for-profit agencies.
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Austin, Texas
Spring Terrace
Population Category: Over 500,001
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Austin’s second supportive housing community for extremely low-income and homeless single adults, and the first to employ green building techniques.
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Local non-profit Foundation Communities acquired a former extended-stay hotel and renovated it into 140 furnished units.
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Funding support from the city’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department, the Austin Housing Finance Corporation and the state.
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Rents are significantly below fair market.
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Onsite staff and non-profit Caritas of Austin provide social service support and case management aid.