Dakota County’s Re-Entry Assistance Program is one of three finalists in the sixth annual Local Government Innovation Awards, presented by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. A public vote will determine which one of the finalists will receive a $25,000 grant to continue innovating.
To recognize innovative practices at the local level, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs’ Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center (PNLC)—in collaboration with InCommons, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the League of Minnesota Cities, and the Minnesota School Boards Association—host the annual awards.
The awards honor outstanding cities, counties and schools that have used inventive practices to improve local services. Eighteen projects will be recognized by the awards.
The Dakota County Re-Entry Assistance Program helps jail inmates with histories of multiple jail stays minimize the number of times they return to jail. The program provides transitional and supportive services that assist sentenced inmates exiting the Dakota County Jail with re-entry into the community.
Judges selected 18 winners from more than 100 submissions, which were vetted for innovation, impact, sustainably, and potential for growth. Among this group of winners, three finalists will complete for a $25,000 grant from the Bush Foundation to continue public service reform.
A public vote will determine which of the finalists will receive the $25,000 grant to continue innovating. To vote, join in one of four community conversations being held in December. Online and text voting is now underway. Visit the Local Government Innovation Awards website or view the Re-Entry Assistance Program video below for more information.