For Immediate Release Phone: 916/932-1321

Folsom, Calif. – Results from the Digital Cities Survey, the nation’s first study on how city governments have progressed in adopting and utilizing digital technologies, reveal huge strides cities have made in developing digital government.

Launched in July by the Center for Digital Government, the survey grouped cities into three categories based on population: More than 250,000; 125,000-250,000; and 75,000-125,000. Capturing first place in each respective category are Honolulu; Plano, Texas; and Roanoke, Virginia.

Over 300 city government offices were invited to participate in the survey. Mayors and chief information officers responded to a set of 17 questions that were developed after months of preparation and input from recognized government IT experts.

Sponsored by TekInsight, the Digital Cities Survey examined which municipal services are online, what forms are available electronically, what information is offered to the public and whether the public can send online feedback to city officials. Cities were also asked about their IT management structure – specifically, if there is an executive IT position that oversees technology policies and operations, and much more.

"The survey revealed some exciting applications and a genuine desire to deliver local government services to citizens," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. "We are anxious to support these local digital leaders by highlighting their significant accomplishments."

Honolulu’s accomplishments are laced throughout city operations. The mayor, department heads and city council members communicate with constituents using e-mail. The city Web site offers a host of online forms, including applications for city employment and certain permits.

"Three years ago it seemed obvious to me that we needed to find a better way to serve our customers," said Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris. "My challenge was to create an ‘electric city,’ a place where people could do their city business from any computer in the world. I am very proud of this award because it recognizes the innovation and dedication of some very fine people in our information technology department. To go where we were three years ago to the Web site we have now is a testament to our city’s CIO [Courtney Harrington] and his staff."

Rounding out the top 10 cities behind Honolulu in the more than 250,000 category (with some cities tying) are Chicago, New York City, Seattle, Colorado Springs, Houston, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Tucson, Atlanta, Phoenix, San Diego and Tampa.

Following Plano, Texas, in the population range of 125,000-250,000 (with some cities tying) are Des Moines, Iowa; Mobile, Ala.; Hampton, Va.; Salt Lake City; Bakersfield, Calif.; Torrance, Calif.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Lincoln, Neb.

Plano City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck credits his win to years of hard work by city employees. "We are extremely pleased to receive this award and to be recognized by the Center for Digital Government," he said. "This award recognizes the last several years of outstanding work by our city employees to seek out and take advantage of technology. We have implemented a number of technology solutions that have given us tremendous paybacks. It’s an exciting time for Plano."

Rounding out the top 10 behind Roanoke, Va., in the 75,000-125,000 population range (with some cities tying) are Boulder, Colo.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Costa Mesa, Calif.; Bellevue, Wash.; Vancouver, Wash.; Coral Springs, Fla.; Antioch, Calif.; Beaumont, Texas; and Long View, Texas.

Roanoke’s portal reflects its cutting-edge IT resources. The site is rich in links and access to GIS data and maps. Dubbing the city’s e-government technology the "city hall without walls," Applications Technology Administrator Kathy Cox said the city adopted a "full cycle philosophy" that provides everything from initial information to citizen feedback. By year’s end, the city intends to use "push technology" to alert citizens to issues that are important to them, she added.

Cities, particularly smaller jurisdictions, have shown remarkable ingenuity in creating e-government services, according to the Center’s Robinett, who is a founder of the well-known Digital State Survey. "It is very important to recognize and support the significant efforts that cities, often with very limited resources, have done to develop digital government," she said. "It not only demonstrates ingenuity, but underscores the importance of information technology as an element of civic life."

Below is a partial list of statistics gleaned from the study:

Cities with a population of more than 250,000:

1. 86% of cities have a chief information officer or equivalent executive position.
2. 69% of cities’ police departments use a full complement of law enforcement technology.
3. 52% of cities have portals with information and services presented from the citizen’s point of view.

Cities with a population range of 125,000-250,000:

1. 71% of cities have public sector job search information online.
2. 63% of cities’ police departments use a full complement of law enforcement technology.

3. 54% of cities do not yet offer payment of permits online.

Cities with a population range of 75,000-125,000:

1. 55% of cities’ police departments use a full complement of law enforcement technology.
2. In 37% of the cities, geographic information systems (GIS) are used as a tool for mapping, and geographical analysis is available.
3. 45% of cities do not yet offer payment of permits online.

For more information on the Digital Cities Survey, contact Rhonda Wilson, communications director, at 916/932-1321 or visit www.centerdigitalgov.com.

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