Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michelle Kuka, Interim Human Resources Director
Subject: 2025 Light Bulb Awards Recipients
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution approving the 2025 Light Bulb Awards recipients and award $1,000 to each winner for a total of $8,000.
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BACKGROUND:
On June 10, 2025, the Board considered and approved District 1's request to use their district-discretionary Measure K funds to support an Employee Suggestion Program focused on generating ideas relating to cost savings, operational efficiencies, and improvements. The program was launched as the Light Bulb Ideas Program and is further described in the Discussion section of this memorandum.
While the County has an employee suggestion program via the STARS Awards Innovation Summit held every other year, it is focused on County teams pitching ideas on new initiatives and programs. The 2025 Light Bulb Ideas Program aligned with the spirit of ongoing innovation while improving operational efficiencies for the residents of San Mateo County. It also promotes the County's culture of recognition and acknowledges that County employees are talented, mission-driven individuals committed to identifying solutions to improve people's lives.
DISCUSSION:
Employees submitted their suggestions via a new employee portal that was open from August 1st to September 22nd, 2025. Submissions were required to follow the guidelines developed by the Human Resources Department, including a description of the current problem; proposed solution and rationale; estimated benefits or cost savings; potential impact on the County government's efficiency and effectiveness; and implementation considerations (if known).
Sixty-four (64) ideas were submitted. Each submission included an infographic or slide deck detailing the description of the issue, the proposed solution, estimated benefits/cost savings, potential impact ...
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