The Federal government spends almost $137 billion a year on research. A new paper suggests that Federal, state, and local govs would encourage significantly more innovation by holding contests with a cash prize.
The Federal Office of Management and Budget recently released a memo titled "The Use of Challenges and Prizes to Promote Open Government." The gist is that contests pay off much more than straight research investment, and some agencies are heeding the call.
John O'Leary writes, "The OMB memo not only sends a strong signal to agencies, it also provides guidance and support for agencies looking to use prizes. In its memo, the OMB promised that it would launch a Web-based platform for prizes and challenges by early July. This platform will provide a forum for agencies to post problems and "invite communities of problem solvers to suggest, collaborate on and deliver solutions."
The use of so-called "crowdsourcing" by state and local governments has also been gaining momentum rapidly."
FULL STORY: Government's Prize-winning Strategy
From Grants to Growth: The Critical Role of Funding in Urban Transportation Projects
How cities are taking innovative approaches and adopting technology to develop sustainable, long-term funding sources for transportation infrastructure.
AI’s Growing Threat to Climate Justice
Emerging technologies like AI have great promise for climate innovation, but also a hidden environmental footprint could lead to disproportionate harm to low-income and marginalized communities.
How Public-Private Partnerships Shape Urban Development
Explore the significant role of public-private partnerships in shaping urban development and driving collaboration and innovation for sustainable city growth.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.
Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.
Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions
Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions