The Guardian just published a story this past May with the opening line reading, “Innovation is the buzzword of the moment in local government” ( Burnstein).   

The internet tells us that innovation means a new process or method.  Being innovative is daunting, especially when you as a city or county manager have to keep up with daily local government duties and crises.  Although it isn't as simple as penciling in time on your calendar to be innovative, we at ICMA hope to give you a jump start:  here are some interesting resources on how to prepare your organization or local government for an innovative future.  

1. ICMA posted a great article, “How Governments Stimulate Innovation from Within”.  If you’re in local government, start here. 
2. Gregory Stopka from the Alliance for Innovation has started a blog on the Knowledge Network called “The Path Setters: Building the Road to Transform Local Government.”  He is taking note of how path setters are paving the way for the future of local governments.  
3. When InCommons was part of the Bush Foundation they worked to connect communities to solve problems.   Before this switch, InCommons sponsored a Local Government Innovations Awards.  Here you can view all of the entries.  
4. Cal-ICMA published a policy brief on how “local government administrators in California perceive and develop innovative approaches for addressing community needs in their cities and counties, highlighting the role that knowledge sharing between locales plays in the diffusion of innovation.”
5. PM (ICMA’s flagship magazine) in its July issue published “Innovation in Public Management: What The Future Will Demand of Us.”   It discusses the principles of Innovation and how they will act as the foundation and future of all governments and organizations 
6. Does your local government have a fund? Ohio has set aside Local Government Innovation Funding for communities who aspire to create more efficient services in their area.  
7. The Guardian posted a great article (referenced above) on defining local government innovation and how we share it in our communities; read up.   
8. The  Alliance for Innovation is committed to transforming local government to excellent communities full of innovation and leading ideas.   This website is full of examples of local governments across the country committed to improving their community.
9. Coming in Fall of 2013, The Innovation Academy, sponsored by Arizona State University, will accept 6 organizations to participate in a class focusing on integration of innovation and organization.  Think your organization might benefit from this class?  Check out more info here.  
10. Don’t forget to check back to our Knowledge Network Innovation Topic Page where today’s local government leaders are sharing their expertise about innovation and the future of local government best practice.

What resources do you use when thinking about innovation?  How does your local government aspire to be innovative?  Leave your ideas in comments below & start the conversation. 

Hilary Badger

Knowledge Network, Intern

ICMA