Management Innovation: Internal Operations

Recognizes outstanding innovation in internal operations management to strengthen agency operations and achieve strategic objectives.

Judging Criteria

Management Innovation entries will be judged on the degree to which they:

  • Are innovative
  • Are replicable
  • Respond to a management challenge or opportunity
  • Achieve measurable improvements in agency operations
  • Provide benefits that outweigh costs
  • Demonstrate effective use of resources
  • Achieve strategic objectives

If you have questions, please email awards@ncsha.org or call 202-624-7710.

2023 Winner

Virginia Housing

2023 Entries

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority:
Opportunity as Strategy

CHFA is prioritizing opportunity in all aspects of its work. In 2022, CHFA created a standing DEIB committee, hired a DEIB officer, and made DEIB a fundamental aspect of staff-level engagement. Additionally, CHFA established an Opportunity Fund, a forgivable down payment loan program, and started partnering with smaller brokers led by underrepresented groups. CHFA also became the first HFA to receive a 2nd party opinion from S&P recognizing its Social Bonds and Sustainability Bonds Framework.

MaineHousing:
How the Morning Makeover Saved MaineHousing $45,000

The Morning Makeover was a creative and team-based solution that not only achieved an important task but also saved MaineHousing an estimated $45,000 in costs by creating an Electronic File Lean Team, aimed at creating a plan to reach the goal of digitizing without excessive new costs.

Virginia Housing:
Bright IDEA

Our Bright IDEA approach yields benefits because of three key factors: 1) It has the voice of our people because we leverage internal surveys and our IDEA Council to ensure our associates are involved. 2) It has the voice of our partners because we leverage our Minority Business Advisory Council to assist us and provide feedback on our initiatives, 3) And, it has accountability by ensuring all departments include IDEA into their annual business plans with goals and objectives for the year.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority:
The Authority On Fun

WHEDA welcomed employees back to in-person work, through a hybrid work model, in June 2022. June 13th marked the start of a "Week of Fun" to create excitement about returning to the office and boost employee engagement after being disconnected for so long due to the COVID-19 pandemic.