Governor Mark Dayton Recognizes State Government Problem Solvers
The Better Government Award winners demonstrate efficient and effective government services for Minnesotans
Saint Paul, MN — Three teams of state employees were honored today with the Better Government Awards, which recognize successful innovation in state government and the hardworking public servants delivering excellent service to Minnesotans. These initiatives improved the efficiency and effectiveness of government services for Minnesotans in three categories: Great Customer Service, Great Place to Work, and Great Results.
“Minnesotans expect and deserve an effective, responsive, and inclusive state government,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “These projects are just a few extraordinary examples, among many, of how we are building a better government for the people of Minnesota. I thank these dedicated public servants for their tremendous efforts to improve the quality of services provided to Minnesotans.”
Since 2010, the Governor’s Better Government Awards annually celebrate state employee work accomplishments that have increased the efficiency and effectiveness of state government services. A near record total of 60 projects were nominated for an award by teams from almost every state agency.
“Governor Dayton’s Better Government initiative has empowered state employees to make state government more accountable, transparent, efficient, and effective for all Minnesotans,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “Today’s award recipients as well as the large number of submissions demonstrate the commitment by this administration and public employees to providing the innovation and excellent service Minnesotans expect from their government.”
The 2017 winning Better Government projects:
Great Place to Work
Minnesota state government will experience approximately 1,000 retirements a year over the next decade, as Baby Boomers exit the workforce. This had made employee recruitment and retention a top priority across state government.
Metro Transit Technician Training Program – Metropolitan Council
The Metro Transit Technician Training Program puts job seekers on a path to full-time roles as bus or rail technicians through a combination of job and skills training, a paid internship and support toward earning an associate degree. This award-winning workforce development program produces the mechanic workforce of the future and supports the agency’s commitment to workforce diversity and equity. To date, more than 100 people, all lower-income earners, have or are participating in the program. The training program was developed in partnership with the Amalgamated Transit Union-Local 1005, Twin Cities R!SE and Hennepin Technical College. Mechanic-Technicians have also served as mentors. Funding has come from the state and the Federal Transit Administration.
