Contact: Sammy McDavid
Ten cities throughout the state are in the running for awards to be presented early next year that recognize projects addressing local issues in creative ways.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Innovations in Municipal Government Awards program is being coordinated by Mississippi State University's John C. Stennis Institute of Government for the Jackson-based Mississippi Municipal League. Winners will be named during the league's Jan. 24 and 25 mid-winter meeting at the capital city's Clarion Hotel.
Brandon, Fulton, Greenville, Grenada, Madison, Ocean Springs, Olive Branch, Picayune, Tupelo, and Waveland have projects in the judging. The Stennis Institute staff organized the review process.
"Awards will be presented in three categories: management, governance and the arts; community service; and protective services," said the institute's Betsy Morris, awards program coordinator. "In addition, an overall award will go to the city with the most innovative and effective program of all those considered."
In the management, governance and the arts category, Greenville is being considered for the Municipal Employees Morale Builders Program; Grenada, the Grenada Merges Art and History Program; and Picayune, the South Pearl River County Senior Center.
In the community services category, Fulton, Greenville, Madison, Ocean Springs, and Olive Branch entered programs in existence for at least a year that support economic development, land use, conservation, energy resources, technology, transportation, or disaster relief.
As for the protective services category, Brandon is being considered for its Severe Weather Response Operations Program; Greenville, its police department youth program; Picayune, the Teen Court Program; Tupelo, the School Resource Officer Program; and Waveland, the National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System.
For more information about this year's selections, telephone Morris at (662) 325-3328.