RI treasurer to get urban innovation award

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — An architect of Rhode Island's pension overhaul is set to receive an innovation award in New York City from a national policy group.

General Treasurer Gina Raimondo (Ray-MON'-doh) has been selected by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research as the recipient of this year's Urban Innovator Award. The institute says her "unique approach" to overhauling the state's underfunded public pension system "stabilized a financial crisis."

Last year's winner was Michelle Rhee, the former schools chancellor in the District of Columbia. Other past winners include Maryland Gov. and former Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

The institute's Center for State and Local Leadership is scheduled to present the award on Thursday.