Cities and Technology

    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.

    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 questions, what is cloud computing and is your city was already “in the cloud”? It also looked at what strategies local governments need to develop in order to be successful when moving to the cloud.  

    Municipal IT Infrastructure
    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 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, reduce costs and increase efficiency to meet their communities’ needs.

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

    This resource guide 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 2010 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.

    Corporate Partner Resources
    The National League of Cities Corporate Partners Program promotes the exchange of ideas between corporate leaders and the leaders of America's cities as well as strengthening local government by providing solutions for their day-to-day needs.  The following NLC Corporate Partners provide solutions to the management and operation and of cities:

    esri
    Hyland Software
    IBM
    Microsoft