Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced today that Rachel Krinsky has been selected as the recipient of the fourth annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award and will be awarded the honor at tonight's Common Council meeting.

The award was created by the Mayor and Common Council to honor the example of civility in public service set by Jeff Erlanger who passed away in 2007. Nominations were reviewed and a winner selected by a committee that included a representative of the Erlanger family.

"Rachel has shown the ability to work with those from all parts of the City and from all walks of life to help resolve tough issues," Mayor Cieslewicz said. "I'm very pleased to recognize her with this award."

Rachel has served as the Executive Director for The Road Home Dane County for the past 11 years. During that time, the agency has grown from a small family homeless shelter to an organization that now offers six housing programs for formerly homeless families with children.

Rachel is also the organizer behind Housing and Hope, an innovative solution for low-income families in need of housing. Rachel also serves on several community committees including the United Way Basic Needs Team, the United Way Housing in Action Leadership Team, the Third Sector Housing Group and the Shelter Providers Group.

"My husband and I are so pleased with the selection of Rachel," said Pam Erlanger, Jeff's mother. "She does excellent work bringing people together, helping Madison become the place it strives to be and she does it in a constructive, civil way."