Seven state, city, and local government programs were named winners of the 2007 Innovations in American Government Awards in September 2007. "Government agencies today must have the ability to respond efficiently to the ever-changing needs of citizens," said Stephen Goldsmith, director of the Innovations in American Government Program. "We are pleased to recognize these programs that have capitalized on creative thinking to increase the effectiveness of government."

The 2007 Innovations in American Government Award winners:

Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency - State of Florida
Florida redesigned and modernized its process for determining eligibility for public assistance. The ACCESS Florida model is streamlined, cost efficient, and nationally recognized for excellence.

Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) - City of Chicago, Illinois
Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) is the enterprise information system for the entire Chicago Police Department and one of the most sophisticated information systems in the nation.

Climate Protection Initiative - City of Seattle, Washington
The Climate Protection Initiative accelerates climate protection action citywide and in hundreds of other cities, catalyzing grassroots action around the country and promoting essential state and federal policy changes.

Community Care - State of North Carolina
Community Care is a physician-led Medicaid managed care program of local provider networks serving 750,000 patients. The networks improve quality and access to care while saving millions of dollars.

Electronic Court Records - King County, Washington Electronic Court Records gives court case file users electronic access. Scanning and e-filing have eliminated paper files, resulting in faster processing, desktop access to documents, and better security.

Overt Drug Market Strategy - City of High Point, North Carolina
The Overt Drug Market Strategy is a law enforcement/community partnership that collapses drug markets, reduces violence by directly engaging dealers and their families, creates predictable sanctions, and offers a range of services.

Urban Land Reform Initiative - Genesee County, Michigan
The Urban Land Reform Initiative is a self-sustaining economic model which connects tax foreclosure with management and disposition of vacant and abandoned property to stabilize neighborhoods and improve the value of urban land.

The IBM Award in Transforming Government winner:

Institute of Technical Education - Singapore
Formerly a last resort for low-achieving students, Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education (ITE) underwent a 10-year reform plan revamping irrelevant curriculum, upgrading learning environments, and instating new academic requirements for current teachers.