In considering applications for the 2008 NeighborWorks Government Service Award, special consideration was given to local, state and federal officials who have made significant contributions to sustain homeownership in the wake of the current subprime/foreclosure crisis.

Goals of the NeighborWorks Government Service Award

• To recognize and honor an elected or appointed public official who has made significant contributions toward strengthening communities, expanding the affordable housing supply (rental and/or homeownership) for low- and moderate-income families and/or sustaining homeownership in the face of the current foreclosure crisis;
• To inspire similar service by others;
• To spread the word about the value of strengthening communities, expanding the affordable housing supply (rental and/or homeownership) and/or engaging in efforts to prevent foreclosures; and
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of political leadership and public policies to strengthen communities, expand the affordable housing supply and/or sustain homeownership in the face of the current foreclosure crisis.

Selection Criteria
The award winners have:

1. Implemented public policies and/or programs that strengthen communities, expand affordable housing supply or sustain homeownership in the face of the foreclosure crisis;
2. Inspired leadership and involvement by public officials or citizens to strengthen communities, expand affordable housing supply or sustain homeownership in the face of the foreclosure crisis;
3. Communicated regularly with constituents about strengthening communities, expanding the affordable housing supply or sustaining homeownership in the face of the current foreclosure crisis; and
4. Demonstrated a personal commitment and a focus on strengthening communities, expanding the affordable housing supply or sustaining homeownership in the face of the foreclosure crisis.

Areas of Achievement
May include (other areas of significant achievement will also be considered):

• Public policy formation
• Educational initiatives
• Increased collaboration
• Increased communication with, and involvement by, constituents
• Establishment of local, state, or national programs that strengthen communities, expand the affordable housing supply and/or sustain homeownership in the face of the current foreclosure crisis.

Eligibility
Any government official on the local, state or federal level; elected, appointed, or career civil service is eligible for nomination. Individuals honored with this award will have substantively strengthened communities, expanded the affordable housing supply and/or sustained homeownership in the face of the current foreclosure crisis.

Nominations
Each NeighborWorks organization can nominate up to three public officials each year to represent each category : local, state and federal.  The nomination process for 2008 is now closed.  See the 2008 award winners.