DATE: July 6, 2016
CONTACT: Cindy Malin, Office of Public Communications
PHONE: 954-357-6993
EMAIL: cmalin@broward.org
Broward County has received eleven Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The annual awards are given in 21 different categories and recognize innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents in such areas as children and youth services, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, civic engagement and more.
"These 11 programs are outstanding examples of how Broward County agencies work hard every day to ensure wise and efficient use of taxpayer money to provide programs and services that impact quality of life for our residents, businesses and visitors," said County Administrator Bertha Henry. The award-winning programs, all services of the Broward County Commission, include:
Employee Assistance Program: Training Briefs (Human Resources Division, Learning and Organizational Development)
This program was designed to help Broward County Employee Assistance Program professionals improve their visibility with County agencies. A series of 30-minute presentations was developed on various topics of interest to employees (e.g. workplace stress, overcoming procrastination, being assertive, caring for yourself as a caregiver). Managers can incorporate the sessions into staff meetings, and each is also offered as an interactive webinar that employees can participate in from their desks. All of the briefs include a valuable quick reference guide that employees can use on the job.
Technical Assistance Training Program (Office of Economic and Small Business Development)
The Technical Assistance Training Program developed by Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development provides certification and training for local small businesses to boost their ability to bid on County projects. The program includes detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to complete a local or federal certification application, use the County's electronic bidding system (BidSync), do bid estimating, and secure business with agencies within Broward County. To date, more than 200 firms have engaged in the free, onsite training, which contributes to the County's success at helping grow small business in the community.
3D Visualizations of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations (Environmental Planning and Community Resilience)
Broward County has heavily invested in resources to help assess and plan for climate change, participating in the development of advanced hydrologic models to evaluate future climate scenarios and influences on water supplies and flood protection, as well as adaptive strategies to mitigate negative impacts. Although model results are informative, they are complex and difficult to communicate to non-technical audiences. The 3D visualization tool presents flood impacts in areas vulnerable to sea level rise in an animated format that is easy to understand. The tool bridges the communication gap between scientific research and policy makers and encourages a more proactive response to climate change and sea level rise from members of the public.
Renewable Energy Action Plan (Environmental Planning and Community Resilience)
Broward County's commitment to long-term sustainability includes enhancing community resilience and protecting the environment, to ensure a viable future for generations to come. As part of that commitment, the County set a goal to obtain 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources. The Renewable Energy Action Plan adopted by the County Commission includes five projects intended to expand the County's renewable energy portfolio and encourage future projects through collaboration and community education. The plan prioritizes actions to adapt to climate impacts, and mitigate county government's contribution to global climate change.
Broward County Libraries Mean Business (Libraries Division)
In 2014, Broward County Libraries created a year-long program of events and education outreach in support of a mayoral initiative "Broward Means Business," which promoted county, state and federal programs that help mentor and finance Broward County businesses. "Broward County Libraries Mean Business" program included a wide array of free resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, ranging from a brick-and-mortar Small Business Resource Center to online resources, classes/workshops and videos. In addition to the NACo recognition, the program also garnered a 2015 Florida Library Association award, and was recognized as one of the Urban Libraries Councils 2014 E Innovations Initiatives, in the Economic and Workforce Development category.
Broward County Library's Creation Station "Helping Hands" Project (Libraries Division)
Broward County Library's Creation Station, a community makerspace and gadget lab, partnered with Nova Southeastern University's and the e-NABLE Project/3D Mechanical Hand - Maker Movement to create five plastic prosthetic hands using 3D printers. The "Helping Hands" were crafted and printed by Library staff. Student volunteers from Nova Southeastern University's Occupational Therapy Department then assembled the prosthetics and distributed them to children in need around the world via the e-NABLE Project. The Creation Station is the first free community center in Broward County that allows public access to expensive equipment and software such as 3D printers, state-of-the-art computers, Leap Motion technology, color printers and more. This project also won a 2016 Innovation Award from the Florida Library Association.
Employee Benefits Educational Roadshow (Human Resources Division, Employee Benefits)
Broward County provides a comprehensive benefits program to approximately 5,200 benefit-eligible employees. This roadshow was developed to remind employees of the full array of benefits offered through employment with the County, teach them how to utilize their benefits wisely and efficiently, promote employee and family wellness, and use the tools and resources available to become more informed, better health care consumers. More than 35 presentations were made in 24 locations.
An Exceptional Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Program Enhancement (Risk Management Division, Safety and Occupational Health)
Broward County facilities are a workplace for nearly 6,000 employees and may be visited by any of the County's 1.8 million residents and 15 million annual visitors. The County's AED program includes 275 AED units in 132 buildings, employee training, monthly inspections, maintenance and parts replacement. Enhancements to the program centralized the purchasing of AED devices and consolidated the management of the documentation of inspection and maintenance of AED units through a web-based shared site. This initiative resulted in a more efficient and cost effective program to ensure that the life-saving devices are functional and ready to be used in emergencies.
Liability Section Video Innovation (Risk Management Division, Liability Claims Section)
The Liability Claims Section of Broward County Risk Management Division manages all County claims, except for Workers' Compensation, including Automobile Liability, Mass Transit Auto Liability, General Liability and Subrogation. The County is self-administered and self-insured with 350 transit buses. The team sought a more timely and efficient way to handle claims on the buses for the Broward County Transit Division. Working in partnership with Transit Division staff, Risk Management adjusters were given direct access to the bus video system, which dramatically reduced the time needed to evaluate claims. As a result, the amount being paid out in bodily injury settlements has decreased and some claim payments are now being prevented based on video documentation. Broward County Transit was also able to free up some of its personnel to handle other responsibilities.
Property Insurance Premium Savings Program (Risk Management Division)
Broward County wanted to save money on property insurance premiums and improve its coverage. The first step was to move from a single carrier to a multi-carrier structure. The County also improved its underwriting data called Construction, Occupancy, Protection and Exposure (COPE) elements through better collection and property improvements in high-impact areas. Those efforts reduced our Probable Maximum Loss (PML) and Average Annual Loss (AAL) significantly. The result was a cumulative 39 percent reduction of the County's property insurance premiums over the last four years. During the same time, property values increased by $818 million, or 18 percent. Today, Broward County is paying only $286,000 more for insurance than it did in 2004, when the total insured value was $2.1 billion less than it is today.
Workers' Compensation Medical Cost Reduction Program (Risk Management)
Broward County's worker's compensation program is self-administered and self-insured. It protects approximately 12,000 employees and volunteers. The Medical Cost Reduction Program was initiated on October 1, 2012, with the goal of substantially reducing the average monthly medical expense. The results were phenomenal. The average monthly medical expense for fiscal year 2015 was half what it was in fiscal year 2013. The workers' compensation loss fund finished fiscal year 2015 over $1 million under budget.
About National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America's 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public's understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org.
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