Mobile Applications

Cities around the country are making their services even more accessible to their constituents by creating applications for smart devices. With the proliferation of smart devices (smartphones, tablet devices), local governments are developing applications that make government services and information more accessible and government more responsive to the public.

Local elected officials are keen to identify ways to better serve their cities, and mobile technology is just another option they have. In August 2010, NLC and the Public Technology Institute presented a webinar that looked at how mobile apps (for mobile as well as non-mobile devices) open up new channels of communication and dialog with the public. The webinar featured officials from New York City and Lenexa, KS and highlighted the apps and tools they have in place to improve citizen engagement. Below are presentations from the webinar:

• New York City Open Data, Online & Apps
• Apps in Local Government: Lenexa, Kansas

Cloud Computing

Exploring the use of “cloud computing” for the management and maintenance of certain Information Technology services has been identified as one of the top trends in local government. What cloud computing does, essentially, is create a more stable user experience managing access to computer applications and services from a remote location that is less susceptible to the problems of an on-site server.

In addition to a cost savings, users find that cloud computing frees up IT staff time as less of their days are spent on general operations and maintenance. This helps increase productivity, improve resource allocation, and allows IT staff to devote their time to dealing with more strategic needs.

In April 2011, NLC, the Public Technology Institute, and the National Association of Counties presented a webinar exploring the use of cloud computing in local governments. It answered the basic question of is cloud computing and if your city was already “in the cloud?” It also looked at what strategies local governments needed to develop in order to be successful when moving to the cloud. Below are presentations from the webinar:

• Microsoft Cloud Services - Richard McKinney, Government Technology Advisor, Microsoft State & Local Government
• The Cloud: Get Your Head Out & Get Your Technology In! - Phil Bertolini, Deputy County Executive/CIO, Oakland County MI
• Cloud Computing - City of Alexandria, VA - Tom Trobridge, Alexandria CIO/IT Director 

Transparency

Cities around the country have been employing various methods to increase transparency – simply put, to be more open to the public – in their day to day practices for years now. From broad engines of information like city websites to more focused tools which display a cities’ expenditures, cities have been looking for ways to better engage their constituencies.

On the plus side, transparency promotes accountability and provides an opportunity for residents to be better informed about what is going on in their communities. But on the down side, transparency costs money and it takes staff time and effort. Some cities have reported that they have found their IT departments to be very hesitant about using online tools and to allow direct public input. Transparency certainly creates an avenue for the public to start demanding more information, but this is generally considered a good thing. In fact, some cities that have utilized transparency methods say this is one of the biggest payoffs for the investment in these tools – having the public be on the same page with the elected officials.

In 2010, NLC and the Public Technology Institute (PTI) surveyed a set of its members to identify technology topics they would like to learn more about. Technology tools that promote transparency in municipal government was the leading topic of interest. In response to the need for more information about transparency, the National League of Cities (NLC) developed, Using Technology to Promote Transparency in City Government, a resource guide that provides a set of examples of how cities can work to increase transparency in their day-to-day practices.

Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what is happening inside their local government. A major initiative of the federal government, the push to promote transparency in city government, is gathering steam. Technologies to Increase Government Transparency, a webinar offered by the National League of Cities and PTI examined the technology tools and practices city governments are using to provide real-time information to citizens. Download this webinar in .WMV format.  

This case study explores Google’s initiative to bring ultra-fast internet connection speeds to Kansas City Kansas and Missouri.  It is part two of a three-part series exploring how cities are developing innovative models for tackling complex urban issues and strengthening their local economies in partnership with Next American City. 

Using Technology to Enhance Communities' Engagement with Public Safety
The widespread availability of mobile technology and broadband networks provides opportunities to connect citizens with local government leaders and providers of public services.  In the fields of grassroots community building and public safety, today’s technology tools are particularly important for building safer streets and stronger neighborhoods.  This municipal action guide focuses on the strategies of interfacing, crowdsourcing, broadcasting and mapping.

Broadband in the United States (June 11, 2012)
Broadband, which is used by private citizens, local governments and the private sector every day, has the ability to transform the way we communicate, work, learn and socialize. Many experts believe that much of the economic growth that has taken place in recent years has resulted from the use of broadband networks to improve productivity, provide better products and services and support innovation in all industries.

Cities Build Their Own, Faster Broadband Networks (May 7, 2012)
Some of the fastest broadband networks are being built by local governments, according to a recent report titled “Broadband at the Speed of Light” from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and the Benton Foundation. Providing service to less populated areas can prove to be unprofitable for the private sector, so a city-built network is really the only way to connect those regions with modern broadband access.

Webinars

How a Municipal Network Can Help Your City
Some of the fastest broadband networks are being built by local governments, according to a recent report titled "Broadband at the Speed of Light" from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and the Benton Foundation. A community run network is a useful tool for several reasons. First, it can provide much faster speeds and higher levels of service to city departments, local businesses, and residents. These networks lower the prices for everyone by creating real competition and often lead to efficiencies in the operation of a variety of city services, including public safety, education, healthcare and transportation. In that way, municipal networks are not just a business opportunity for cities, but they are also a way to impact the way they provide services.  This webinar featured Bristol, VA, Chattanooga, TN, and Portland, OR to discuss some of the strategies they implemented that lead to the success of their own municipal networks.  They key here is that while their example might not be replicable for all cities, the lessons learned here can encourage all local governments to strategically think about what is feasible as a long-term solution with regard to broadband access given existing limitations such as state regulations and industry monopolies.

Shared Services: The San Carlos, CA Experience – March 29, 2012
Facing serious budget constraints including an annual $3.5 Million structural deficit, the elected and appointed leaders of the City of San Carlos, California, changed the way that Police, Fire, Parks Maintenance and Recreation services are delivered to their residents and businesses. The “budget challenges” program successfully emphasized preserving or increasing the level and quality of services in each area while simultaneously reducing costs. 

The process involved all-day budget briefings for the public, exploring what the services should look like in the future, discussions and Requests for Proposals with neighboring Cities, Special Districts, the County, the State and Private Service Providers on alternate service delivery models and reviewing the pros and cons of different service delivery options. The result of the process was maintaining or increasing service to the public, changing the service delivery method in each area and an annual cost savings of almost $4 Million through the use of 4 different strategies in the 4 service areas that were explored.

During the webinar, Mayor Andy Klein and Assistant City Manager Brian Moura shared the city's approach, lessons learned, and what other local governments need to focus on to be successful when considering a shared services approach to addressing budget challenges and community service desires.

How Broadband Access in Santa Monica has Impacted Local Economic Development - February 22, 2012
A robust local economy is vital for overall national economic development and global competitiveness. One of the tools for achieving this is a strong telecommunications infrastructure that can support innovative approaches to the ways governments do business. The opportunities available to communities with better technological access are unlimited. In addition to internal improvements in the ways cities can serve their residents, better broadband systems attract and retain businesses creating vast opportunities for jobs creation. It also provides better mediums for access to education, resulting in a better skilled, more sophisticated workforce. And finally, there are huge cost-savings and quality of life implications with better technological systems. This webinar, hosted by the National League of Cities and the Public Technology Institute, presented a case study on the city of Santa Monica and how a strong telecommunications infrastructure and local leadership on the technology front is helping drive this city’s economic development.

The National Broadband Map: An Economic Development Tool for Cities - January 25, 2012
Last year, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the National Broadband Map (NBM), a tool local governments can use to assess broadband. This interactive online map captures 20 million datasets to show what high-speed Internet services are available in communities across the country. Because of the link broadband access has in spurring creating jobs, new economic opportunities and innovation in America, the National League of Cities is excited to promote this tool to its members. Representatives from NTIA shared how local elected officials can use the NMB to compare their city’s connectivity speed and distribution to others; to locate availability of specific services in certain locations places; and learn how to provide feedback that will further enhance the tool.

Technology Forecast 2011: What Local Elected Leaders Can Expect - February 28, 2011
NLC and the Public Technology Institute presented a webinar focused on how effective technology management impacts citizen services and government operations, and how current trends will influence Information Technology departments in 2011.  It also highlighted “what’s in and what’s out” when it comes to technology tools and devices used at the local level. Presenters included Andy Huckaba, councilmember, Lenexa, Kan., and chair of NLC's Information Technology and Communications Policy and Advocacy Committee and Alan Shark, executive director, Public Technology Institute.  Below are links to the presentations from the webinar.

Publications

Investing in Your City's IT Infrastructure (2010) 
Cities across the country are experimenting with the development of data capturing devices and the increased availability of data being presented in new and creative ways. From a municipal perspective, this information can have a profound impact on the way local governments provide services and govern their communities. In order to make the most effective use of this information, cities are making huge investments in their information technology (IT) infrastructure. The IT tools cities are using range from cloud computing, to municipal Wi-Fi networks, to handheld devices for a variety of applications, to software programs that better inform decision-making processes. The examples in this brief show how cities are working to expand or update their technological infrastructure through these methods and are reducing costs and increasing efficiency in addition to ultimately meeting their communities’ needs.

Presentations

Presentations to the NLC Policy & Advocacy Committee on Information Technology & Communications
Presentations, including those given by featured guests at Policy & Advocacy Committee meetings. Go to the Information Technology & Communications Committee page for more information about this committee and related resources.

Social Media: The New Face of Local Government - Infrastructure Conference, 2011 Congress of Cities & Exposition
Social media is bringing a revolution to citizen’s expectations in how they interact with their local government.  In this workshop, city leaders will learn some key strategies for determining when and how to use these multi-channelled formats effectively to enhance and expand their outreach and engagement with residents.  In addition, the legal issues of language, privacy and management of records will be addressed with authentic scenarios.

• Matt Leighninger, Executive Director, Deliberative Democracy Consortium, Washington, DC

City Practices

Town of Cary's Virtual Interactive Planner (VIP) - Cary, North Carolina
VIP is an Internet-based tool developed with both “right-brain” and “left-brain” learning types in mind. The tool utilizes flash (animated) programming, green-screen video, printable forms, useful links and flowcharts to provide an interactive decision-making tool that helps break down Cary’s development process into easy-to-follow steps and highlights opportunities in the process for the public to provide input to the town. VIP is designed to help reduce the confusion and intimidation sometimes associated with complex but necessary processes like land development, and it is designed as a single-source resource for most development related questions.

• VIDEO: Dan Matthys presents about the program at the 2011 Congress of Cities & Exposition in Phoenix
• Town of Cary's Virtual Interactive Planner Presentation

Highland Communication Services (HCS) is a municipally owned telecommunications company that provides advanced fiber optic services, including voice, data and video, to the Highland community in order to better serve the needs of the local businesses and residents. HCS was developed in response to overwhelming support from citizens to create a fiber-to-the-premises system. The growing, enthusiastic organization strives to improve Highland’s quality of life and strengthen business opportunities.

• VIDEO: Andrea Enright and Scott Bowles present about the program at the 2011 Congress of Cities & Exposition in Phoenix

Deborah Cameron discusses Longmont, Colorado's Technology and Telecommunications in Your City program.  Longmont is a hotbed of telecommunications innovation and technology. In 1997, the City-owned electric utility encircled Longmont with an 18-mile fiber ring to increase capacity of communication between substations, other city infrastructure and to provide telecommunication services to residents. The city leveraged the fiber investment with a private wireless partner to provide wifi access anywhere in Longmont. In return, the city uses the wifi connection for fire, police, and building inspection services. In addition, the City has partnered with a private wifi provider to provide computers and internet access to hundreds of children in the community who are on the free or reduced price lunch program.