AASHTO picks Idaho Transportation Department innovation program as prototype

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has selected the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) innovation program as a prototype for other state departments to use.

ITD reports AASHTO called Innovate ITD! a “best-in-class process” and the association’s Innovation Initiative committee plans to work with the department to “showcase the innovation” to other state DOTs.

“Rather than rely on the brainpower of a select group of leadership-level people, ITD harnesses the creativity of all 1,600 employees statewide,” the agency reports. “These innovations create a more efficient department and save significant money for taxpayers.”

ITD states the program has produced:

•  567 innovations
•  $2.2 million in savings and efficiencies
•  75,000 employee and contractor hours saved
•  190 customer-service improvements

“This spotlight belongs to the employees who share ideas through Innovate ITD!,” Chief Administrative Officer Charlene McArthur says. “By sharing their ideas and successes, they help others use best practices, which multiplies the impact and helps us tally the results. Through the Innovate ITD! platform, employees focus continuous improvement toward advancing the department’s mission — Your Safety, Your Mobility and Your Economic Opportunity.”