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Berkeley’s program that allows city employees and residents to share city cars was named as one of 50 semifinalists for the Innovation in American Government Award. 

The award, referred to as the “Government Oscars,” puts Berkeley in the running for a $100,000 grant from Harvard University. 

Through a partnership with City CarShare, Berkeley retired 15 vehicles and replaced them with four hybrid cars operated by City CarShare. City employees have exclusive use of the cars during business hours, while any City CarShare member has access to them on evenings and weekends. 

“This innovative program is saving Berkeley taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, improving government efficiency, reducing pollution and providing an alternative to car ownership for Berkeley residents,” said Mayor Tom Bates. 

Now it its 18th year, the award is a program of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. The school will announce the six winning programs in July. 

—Matthew Artz