The Better Government Award winners demonstrate efficient and effective government services for Minnesotans

Saint Paul, MN — Three teams of state employees were honored today with the Better Government Awards, which recognize successful innovation in state government and the hardworking public servants delivering excellent service to Minnesotans. These initiatives improved the efficiency and effectiveness of government services for Minnesotans in three categories: Great Customer Service, Great Place to Work, and Great Results.

Great Place to Work

Minnesota state government will experience approximately 1,000 retirements a year over the next decade, as Baby Boomers exit the workforce. This had made employee recruitment and retention a top priority across state government.

Metro Transit Technician Training Program – Metropolitan Council

The Metro Transit Technician Training Program puts job seekers on a path to full-time roles as bus or rail technicians through a combination of job and skills training, a paid internship and support toward earning an associate degree. This award-winning workforce development program produces the mechanic workforce of the future and supports the agency’s commitment to workforce diversity and equity. To date, more than 100 people, all lower-income earners, have or are participating in the program. The training program was developed in partnership with the Amalgamated Transit Union-Local 1005, Twin Cities R!SE and Hennepin Technical College. Mechanic-Technicians have also served as mentors. Funding has come from the state and the Federal Transit Administration.