Awards will recognize excellence in using the Web and social media

Techies who work in state and local governments have a chance to strut their stuff in the upcoming 2012 Web 2.0 State & Local Government Awards & Recognition Program. The awards, sponsored by the Alexandria, Va.-based not-for-profit Public Technology Institute (PTI), recognize excellence in Web 2.0 and civic/social networking.

PTI emphasizes that Web and social media tools can aid communications, increase resident participation and improve efficiency for state and local governments. The awards will recognize “best practices” for Web 2.0 in the following areas:

• Exceptional accomplishments in citizen engagement
• Innovative technology
• Accountability
• Mobile applications
• Economic development
• Public safety and education

All state and local governments are eligible to apply for the awards. The deadline for entries is June 15, with winners announced in July.

On June 5, PTI will present a live Q&A web presentation to explain application procedures and tips for the awards competition. Register for the Q&A at Web 2.0 Q & A presentation.

 Winners will receive an award and use of the Government Achievement logo. They also will be featured in a “virtual Gallery of Excellence for citizen engagement, showcased at national and regional conferences and provided opportunities to present their accomplishments in webinars and discussions,” according to PTI.

In 2011, the awards recognized 17 city, county and state governments. They included Utah; California; Indiana; Texas; New York; Miami-Dade County, Fla.; Fairfax County, Va.; Pinellas County, Fla.; Montgomery County, Md.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Menifee and Santa Monica, Calif.; Denver and Arvado, Colo.; Chesapeake, Va.; and Richland, Wash.