The Fund For Our Economic Future - a philanthropic economic development group - sponsored its' first competition one year ago, hoping to inspire thinking about new ways to achieve regional cooperation.
Eventually, $277,000 went to three projects chosen by popular vote.
Fund President Brad Whitehead now says a second round of "Efficient Gov Now", is ready to launch, and that Northeast Ohioans tell him they love the idea.
BRAD WHITEHEAD:
"This is real. This is a way that I can directly impact and send a message for how we can advance efficient and effective government."
As many as four proposals might get funding this year. Local governments in the region will have about six weeks to come up with new ideas or re-submit ones that didn't make the cut in 2009. Finalists will be selected, and then in May the public will cast votes to determine the winners.
BRAD WHITEHEAD:
"We know that the way governments work together directly affects the competitiveness of our economy; and so we are wanting to see proposals and programs that do things that make our government more efficient and effective."
Kent State University and the Knight Foundation are sponsors and partners of the program.
