3rd Annual Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
Submission Form
GENERAL INFORMATION
Eligibility
Cities, Special Districts and other public agencies are eligible for Golden Hub of Innovation awards. Private
companies are not eligible. The project/policy submitted for a 2014 award must have been approved,
implemented, completed or initiated between May 2013 and May 2014. Any project submitted for a past
Golden Hub of Innovation Awards is not eligible. Cities that have partnered with one or multiple cities or
agencies on an innovative project are encouraged to submit a joint application. For a sample submission, visit
www.accoc.org.
Judging Criteria
Each submission will be analyzed by the judging committee composed of local government experts. (The 2013
judging committee can be viewed online). The judging committee will select one winner from each category,
with the option to select an honorable mention as well. Cost savings play a large role in the judging criteria, but
each project will be reviewed for all of its innovative qualities.
Notification
Award winners will not be notified prior to the awards ceremony. Therefore, all applicants are encouraged to
attend the Golden Hub of Innovation Awards on June 26th. All applicants will be recognized in the 2014
Compendium, as well as receive significant recognition in local print and electronic media.
Register to attend the event by emailing Emily Duarte at eduarte@accoc.org.
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA
HOW TO SUBMIT
1. Category Choice
Award Categories (choose one):
A. Technology/E-Government
B. City Programs/Departments
a. Budgeting and Finance
b. Public Safety
c. Economic Development
d. Energy & Environmental Quality – NEW CATEGORY
C. Staffing/Service Delivery Options
D. Strategic Partnerships – NEW CATEGORY
E. Public Engagement – NEW CATEGORY
F. City Innovator of the Year (Individual)
2. Complete the Questionnaire
 Fill out the following sections to detail out the specifics of the innovative project.
3. Submit Form by May 30, 2014
 Mail all pages to: ACC-OC, attn: David Vazquez, 600 S Main Street #940 Orange CA 92868
 OR Fax to 714-953-1302, attn: David Vazquez
 OR Email to dvazquez@accoc.org
4. Register for Golden Hub Awards on June 26, 2014
 Visit www.accoc.org for registration information
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA
3rd Annual Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
Category Descriptions
Technology/E-Government
This category recognizes innovation in the area of technology. Technology is a large category, but one that is
important in day to day operations, as well as long term storage. Examples of innovative technology include, but
are not limited to: cloud computing strategies, VoIP, Social Media, Cyber Security, online access and services for
residents and businesses, as well as website content and management. Nominations for this category should
show how using the technology has cut costs and improved efficiency. The winner of this award in 2013 was the
Transportation Corridors Agency (TCA) for cost savings from their mobile device management plan.
City Programs and Departments
Budgeting and Finance
This category recognizes innovation in the area of budgeting and finance, something that is often
overlooked when one thinks of “innovation.” Innovative thinking in this area can be a key factor when it
comes to cost savings and labor relations. Pension reform efforts, performance based budgeting and
benefit adjustments are examples of innovative budgeting and finance ideas. Nominations fort this
category should detail out the program/project/idea and show how it improves the budget or financial
aspects of an agency. The winner of this award in 2013 was the Orange County Transportation Authority
for their pension-reform plan for existing administrative employees.
Public Safety
This category deals with innovative ways to deliver on an agency’s obligations to provide safety for its
constituents. Public safety can be a significant portion of an agency’s budget, so innovative ideas are
needed to keep costs down while providing the same quality of service. This category also encompasses
innovative programs to lower crime or raise awareness of issues to constituents. Nominations for this
category should detail how the idea has helped save money or raised awareness of certain issues. The
winners of this award in 2013 were the City of Anaheim for their “Standards of Coverage” and strategic
planning and the City of Stanton for their “Neighborhood Enhancement Taskforce (NET).”
Economic Development
Economic Development is an issue on the mind of every city in the state. Many agencies are innovating in
this area through different types of programs to help their business community thrive. Examples of these
kinds of innovations are fee holidays, business walks, one stop shops and concierge programs.
Nominations in this category should detail the program and economic activity generated, if applicable.
The winner of this award in 2013 was the City of Buena Park for their new economic development fund
comprised of funds returned from the State due to RDA dissolution.
*Energy / Environmental Quality – NEW
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA
Many agencies are focused on energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Cities have explored
and implemented innovative renewable energy alternatives in order to minimize energy use and
maximize energy savings. In addition, many agencies have developed sustainable communities built to
promote sustainable living. Environmental quality efforts are also being tackled by many agencies as they
move to comply with new environmental regulations. Nominations in this category should detail the
project (s) and how it meets energy efficiency or exceeded environmental standards. Nominations should
include photos, if applicable.
Staffing / Service Delivery Options
This category recognizes innovative staffing solutions that save costs without sacrificing results. Decisions in this
area can be controversial, but tough choices require action. Contracting out ambulance service and sharing
employees (such as the city clerk) are examples of innovative staffing/service delivery options. Nominations for
this category should detail the staffing and/or services solution, the cost savings, as well as an evaluation of the
staffing and/or services option. The winner of this award in 2013 was the City of Tustin for their structural
rightsizing aimed at eliminating their $4 million budget deficit.
*Strategic Partnerships – NEW
This category recognizes public agencies that have worked together, or worked with private industry, to achieve
a common goal, provide a service, or reduce costs. Examples can include public-private partnerships, or public
agency collaboration. Nominations for this category should explain what the partnership is, including how the
item, program or service will save resources for the city, improve the lives of constituents, and serve as a model
for public agency collaboration.
*Public Engagement – NEW
Public agencies continue to find new and innovative ways to engage the public. As technology changes, so do
the methods by which a public agency can reach their constituents (although nominations are not limited to the
utilization of new technology). Nominations in this category should detail how the public agency engaged the
public, encouraged dialogue, raised awareness, or solved a problem working with their constituents.
Nominations should highlight the innovative qualities to their public engagement.
City Innovator of the Year
This category recognizes an individual that has “led the charge” when it comes to innovation. Elected officials,
city management and city staff are all eligible for this award. Nominations should detail how this individual has
been innovative and the effect it has had on the city. Past winners of this award include Supervisor Bill Campbell
for his leadership on Pension Reform, Aaron Klemm of Huntington Beach for his Energy Project Management,
and the City of Orange’s Department Heads for their TEAM (Together Enhancing, Advancing and Motivating Orange)
Orange initiative in addressing major issues facing their city.
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA
3rd Annual Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
Innovation Description
Tips for successful applications:
 Be concise, but descriptive
 Use as few technical terms as possible to ensure clarity
 Use quantitative metrics wherever possible
 If available, provide visuals with your application
Innovation Name (What do you call your innovation?): _____________________________________________
Category: ___________________________________________________________________________________
City/Agency Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Contact Name(s) (Who should we contact with questions?): __________________________________________
Contact Telephone Number(s): _________________________________________________________________
Contact Email Address (es): ___________________________________________________________________
1. In 250 words or less, please provide a brief description of the innovative policy, project concept or
individual.
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA
2. How has the innovation/individual led to cost savings or other types of benefits? Use as much measurable
data as possible.
3. How does the innovation help your city and its residents in the short term? In the long term? (For
individuals, list how they have helped short term, as well as setting the bar for years to come).
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA
4. Could other local governments use this idea? If so, how?
5. Please use this space for any other relevant information.
6. Describe your innovative project/policy in 10 words or less:
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Submit applications by May 30 to dvazquez@accoc.org, fax to (714) 953-1302 or deliver to 600 S. Main St. Ste. 940, Orange CA