League Gives City 2 Innovation Awards

Impressed by its Community Budget Task Force and its Telecommunity Center, the League of California Cities has selected Thousand Oaks for two Helen Putnam Awards for government innovation.

Thousand Oaks was one of three cities that brought home more than one prize in the 27-prize competition based on nine categories. Monterey Park and Chula Vista also won two awards.

“In each category, the judges look for something that is innovative, trend-setting and allows the city to better serve the public,” said Julie Marengo, a spokeswoman for the League of California Cities. “We get hundreds of these applications, so to win two is special. Cities like Thousand Oaks are taking the lead in innovation.”

Made up of local citizens and business leaders, the 15-member Community Budget Task Force reviews city finances and needs and makes recommendations to the City Council. Many of its recommendations are eventually adopted. The judges also praised the user-friendly Thousand Oaks budget process and the city’s detailed manuals on user and development fees.

The Telecommunity Center, a joint venture with the California Department of Transportation, features facilities for telecommuting and education, and hosts courses for the public to explain the Internet and various other computer-related issues.

The judges were also impressed with Thousand Oaks’ Web site, as well as its Web site task force, which seeks to determine how to improve the city’s customer service.

Founded in 1898, the League of California Cities represents all 471 cities in the state and provides them with information and professional development programs, as well as serving as an advocate on their behalf in Sacramento.