Gov. Gregoire�s accountability program receives prestigious recognition

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire�s accountability effort, Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP), has been selected as a Top 50 program by Harvard�s Kennedy School. Gregoire�s accountability program holds state agencies responsible for their performance and is used to show citizens that their tax dollars are being wisely invested.

The Top 50 Programs, announced by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School, were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants representing the best in government innovation from local, tribal, state and federal levels. These 50 programs are in contention for a $100,000 grant to transfer innovative ideas around the world.

�Last fall, I visited communities throughout our state to talk with my fellow citizens. I can tell you that Washingtonians are very clear about what they want from their government � results that matter,� Gregoire said. �My accountability program makes sure that state agencies are making progress in areas like community safety, the environment and transportation. I am proud that the Kennedy School recognizes the value of our efforts.�

Created by Gregoire in 2005, GMAP is a management tool that relies on performance measures, data and a disciplined approach to decision making to achieve better results for Washington citizens. By drawing a connection from agency actions to results, GMAP has demonstrated that:

• Washington�s children are safer because of major improvements to social worker response to reports of abuse;


• Consumers are saving money on their prescription drugs, thanks to a state-sponsored health care program that has lowered costs by $46 million through a purchasing consortium;


• Citizens are getting agricultural permits and water quality loans faster, due to service improvements that have sliced processing time in half ; and


• Injured workers are accessing rehabilitation services more quickly because administrative improvements have eliminated a waiting list.

Award finalists will be announced June 3. Winners will be announced in September.