FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2007

Cauthen to speak at Harvard University

City manager will present overview of Capital Improvements Management Office

City Manager Wayne A. Cauthen will speak to a panel of academics and policy specialists at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on May 15 about the success of the City of Kansas City, Mo., Capital Improvements Management Office.

The presentation will be made as part of the competition surrounding the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation awards. The institute named CIMO one of 18 semifinalists vying for one of its seven Innovation in Government Awards earlier this month. The winners will be announced in September in Washington, D.C., at a dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Innovations in American Government Awards.

"CIMO has managed more than 400 capital projects throughout the city and was selected from a field of more than 1,000 applicants at all levels of government," Cauthen said. "I am proud of the work that is being done and pleased that it is being recognized in this way."

The Innovations in American Government Awards is a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. The Ash Institute advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, publications, leadership training, global network and awards program, the Ash Institute fosters creative and effective government problem-solving, and serves as a catalyst for addressing many of the most pressing needs of the world's citizens.

To learn more about the Innovations in American Government Awards, visit www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu.

Media inquiries and other requests for more information this issue should be directed to Sean Demory, Capital Improvements Management Office, (816) 513-0059 or sean_demory@kcmo.org.