John Hickenlooper on Government Reform

Apply LEAN principles to EVERY state agency

LEAN, as many of you know, is a type of business audit that scours operations looking for ways to make processes run more efficiently. We have re-evaluated how EVERY state agency does business. And we have initiated more than 100 new LEAN processes, more than any state in America.

• Colorado's Department of Transportation recently reported a 19% decrease in contracting timelines. Combined with other improvements their efforts are saving more than $2 million.
• In 2008, only 33% of property assessment appeals were resolved within one year. Now, 79% are.

Implement same-day voter registration and mail-in voting

Before it can go to Gov. John Hickenlooper for a signature to become the new way elections are held in Colorado, the bill must return to the House for approval because of "technical" amendments added in the Senate. While legislators in both parties liked the convenience of more by-mail voting, Election Day registration was the grist for the oratory mill. Though the bill's supporters say the bill doesn't change how people register to vote now, Republicans said cheaters could get a ballot with nothing more than a utility bill, which could be forged. [Hickenlooper signed the bill on May 10, 2013]

Pits and Peeves: Replace red tape with LEAN government

Last year we began a rigorous review of state rules and asked for examples of unnecessary regulation from Coloradans across the state. We are scrubbing every state agency to eliminate red tape. Our plan is outlined in the report we issued this week called "Pits and Peeves."

We understand that government is not a business. Still, we need to apply best practices from successful companies where they make sense. That is why we initiated the LEAN program in almost every state agency, where employee teams are now actively identifying waste and inefficiency to create savings.