NEW YORK, April 6, 1992--Four novel public programs in Florida were named semifinalists today in the annual Innovations in State and Local Government Awards Program sponsored by the Ford Foundation and administered by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. They are among 73 contenders for then $100,000 Ford Foundation grants to be awarded in the fall.

Cited for their effectiveness in addressing significant public needs at the state and local levels are the following programs:

"The 73 semifinalists reflect some of today's most innovative thinking in public policy," said Professor Alan Altshuler, director of the Innovations Program at the Kennedy School. "They offer fresh and exciting approaches to managing some of the toughest, most persistent problems facing local governments today, and they provide practical models for other jurisdictions struggling to address similar issues."

The semifinalists were selected from a diverse group of more than 1,600 applicants. They represent 23 state governments, 21 cities and towns, 17 counties, four school districts, four special authorities, three tribal governments, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Later in the spring, the field of 73 will be narrowed to 25 finalists and in September, the ten winners will be announced. Since 1985, 50 programs demonstating excellence in public service have received Innovations in State and Local Government Awards.

To be eligible, programs must be administered or operated under the authority of a state, local, or tribal government or special authority and must receive at least half of all funds from these sources; must take a new approach to a pressing social need or signigicantly improve an existing program; and must have a proven record of effectiveness. Grant funds go to winning programs and jurisdictions, not to individuals.