If your mission is to deliver the “best value” in government services, you’d better set aside the partisan bickering. Value doesn’t emerge from that all-or-nothing mentality of cut, cut, cut or spend, spend, spend.
Greater value from government arises out of effectiveness, efficiencies, innovation and collaboration.
That was the message yesterday from Minnesota Commissioner of Administration Spencer Cronk , who spoke in St. Paul at a Coffee with Commissioners event, one of a series of dialogues with state government officials, organized by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and MCF, with support from The Minneapolis Community Foundation.
Cronk was joined by Alyssa Haugen, Director of Office of Grants Management and Matt Bailey, who recently joined the department to head up the new Office of Strategic Partnerships, which will focus on finding added value through collaborative relationships between multiple levels of government and the nonprofit, philanthropic and for-profit communities.
Cronk and his colleagues cited several examples of ways in which philanthropists, nonprofits and citizens can get engaged in creating more efficient and effective government, for the ultimate benefit of our state’s residents:
- The Bush Foundation is partnering with government in the “Southeast Minnesota Community Transformation Contract,” a concerted effort to transform human services delivery in a 10-county region. The goal is to improve value on investment, spend less money, focus on client outcomes and strengthen partnerships across government entities.
- The Office of Grants Management is all about efficiency: assuring competitive grants processes, beefing up reporting standards, and pinpointing fraud and waste. Nonprofits receiving state government grants can contact the Office at any time for troubleshooting assistance.
- The Better Government for a Better Minnesota initiative is focused on saving money, reducing waste and making government work better for residents. Do you have your own ideas about improving government? Fill out the easy-to-use online form.
While the government officials shared these and other examples, attendees at the event had their own suggestions for better state government. They strongly urged the Department of Administration to tap into the value of volunteers. Tens of thousands of workers and retirees are eager to share their insights and expertise to create a better Minnesota for all.
Join the Conversation: Where can you uncover hidden value in your organization? What recommendations do you have for Commissioner Cronk and others in state government who seek to provide added value for Minnesota citizens?
-Wendy Wehr, MCF V.P. of Communications and Information Services
I currently work for the government as a contract/consultant because the organization has scaled back their human resources. This is during a time of great need for services in the employment and Workforce Development side of the house.
However, I appreciate the articles suggestion for volunteers but there is a strong need to but Workforce Development staff back to work to help the longer term unemployed.
Thank you for this forum and I look forward to future contributions and conversations.
Dani