Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

Owens Issues New Century Colorado Report
Report to legislators recommends citizen-friendly technology initiatives,
more than $40 million in efficiency cost reductions

(DENVER) – Praising the contributions of hundreds of State employees throughout Colorado government, Governor Bill Owens today released the findings of his New Century Colorado initiative to create a more efficient and citizen-friendly Colorado government. In a letter to all legislators, Owens detailed the key findings and recommendations of the report, including more than $40 million through initial cost-reducing initiatives that will make Colorado government the most citizen-friendly in the nation.

"New Century Colorado will put Colorado government at the forefront of the technology and business revolution that is sweeping our nation," said Owens. "Not only will these initiatives soon make Colorado the most citizen-friendly State government in the nation, but they will ensure good stewardship of the taxpayers’ resources.

"More than $40 million in initial efficiency cost reductions are identified in this report," added Owens. "And that does not include substantial personnel and other long-term cost reductions that can eventually be realized as we move Colorado government into the on-line world.

"Technology is making private industry significantly more efficient and productive. It’s time for the State of Colorado to show the world how these types of time- and cost-reducing initiatives can be used to better serve citizens through smart and efficient government," Owens said.

"New Century Colorado will bring accountability and coordination to a government long plagued by finger-pointing and fragmentation. Today I’m issuing a charge to all Colorado departments and all Colorado employees to work together to maximize coordination and stewardship of our limited resources," concluded Owens.

The New Century Colorado report, which can be found at http://www.state.co.us, suggests a number of forward-thinking initiatives:

• Creation of a statewide Internet portal, through which citizens can access on-line initiatives, through one easy-to-use gateway. This portal will empower citizens to access dozens of government licenses and services over the Internet (such as on-line driver’s license renewals and motor vehicle registrations).
• Aggregation of the State’s demand and creation of statewide standards for purchases of desktop computers to reduce the per-unit cost of desktop computers from, on average, $1,600 to $1,350.
• Creation of an on-line procurement system that generates cost reductions through aggregation of the State’s currently fragmented demand and through reduction of red tape.
• Improvements in management of the State’s real estate assets that save millions through reduced lease costs.

"I’d like to thank the bold contributions of the hundreds of State employees who made suggestions to our New Century Colorado team. I’d also like to recognize the visionary leadership of Project Co-Chairs Marc Holtzman, my Secretary of Technology, Larry Trujillo, Executive Director of the Department of Personnel, and KPMG, which provided valuable advice along the way."

"Technology and forward-thinking management initiatives have spurred productivity within private industry in recent years, providing the fuel that is firing our extraordinary economic growth," stated Holtzman. "New Century Colorado will launch Colorado government into the technology revolution and unshackle us from the paper-driven, 1970’s-style red tape that too often plagues Colorado’s taxpayers and businesses. It’s a privilege to be a part of Governor Owens’ visionary efforts to bring efficiency and common-sense management and coordination to Colorado government."

"New Century Colorado is bringing true collaboration to Colorado government for the first time," stated Trujillo. "The initiatives detailed in this report will help us deliver better information and services to the citizens for Colorado for less money. And because this has been a bottom-up, participatory effort, Colorado’s State employees are enthusiastic about these initiatives. This will create a more dynamic and challenging work environment for our workers." Trujillo recognized the valuable day-to-day oversight of New Century Colorado Project Directors Mike Trevithick, of the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, and Paul Quade, Chief Information Officer for the State of Colorado.

Owens announced the creation of New Century Colorado in the summer of 1999 after gaining the approval of state legislators. The international consulting firm KPMG Consulting served the effort, providing unique research and insight based on its international experience. New Century Colorado is the first comprehensive government reengineering effort in the age of the Internet. Owens issued the New Century Colorado report to legislators in final draft form, seeking their comment and review.

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