Cleveland, OH launches open data portal
The City of Cleveland has unveiled its long-awaited open data portal, offering access to a variety of datasets aimed at promoting transparency and innovation. The platform allows users to explore data on topics such as housing, transportation, and public safety, fostering collaboration between government agencies, researchers, and the public. The initiative aims to empower citizens with valuable information while promoting accountability and data-driven decision-making within the city.
Cleveland, OH
United States
Chandler, AZ conducts Language Assistance Technology Assessment for more accessible services
Touch-screen translation devices are rotating through 15 public buildings during the six-month pilot. The devices support Braille keyboards and audio translation in 120 languages during conversations with staff. Chandler is also testing a mobile broadcast feature whereby a user can translate a presentation by a single speaker through their smartphone. User and staff surveys evaluate how well these technologies assist the city's diverse population in accessing city events and services.
Chandler, AZ
United States
Seattle, WA consolidates public discounts and benefits into a single resource with CiviForm
The city's IT and Innovation and Performance teams worked with Google Fellows on CiviForm's customization. CiviForm allows residents to determine eligibility and apply for discount programs on one site. The platform began with applications for six benefits including the Gold Card for seniors, the FLASH card for residents with disabilities, and Parks and Recreation scholarships. All city departments are expected to use CiviForm by 2024 with potential household savings of up to $23,000 annually.
Seattle, WA
United States
Markham, ON implements online voter registration and ballot verification for municipal elections
Elections Markham sent Voter Information Letters with PINs for online registration in seven languages. This automated system used eSignature technology for verification of applicant eligibility. Once registered, voters had the option to fill out their ballots on a secure online platform. Online voters used the Scytl Verify app to confirm ballot receipt and accuracy within 30 minutes of voting. Scytl Verify searches for digital signatures on ballots that are removed once canvassing begins.
Markham, ON
Canada
Adelaide, SA experiments with Voting Eligibility Checker Tool for improved enrollment experiences
The city's Election Project staff identified confusion over voting eligibility scenarios in past elections. The online tool turned user information into personalized recommendations for the next steps in the electoral enrollment process. Adelaide trained the tool to guide residents through 32 distinct eligibility circumstances. User feedback during the November 2022 municipal elections informs further development of the platform.
Adelaide, SA
Australia
New York, NY streamlines public access to city services with MyCity online portal
The Mayor's Office of Technology and Innovation developed the portal over a 15-month period. Parents and guardians use MyCity to determine their eligibility for childcare assistance. Every MyCity user accesses a personal dashboard with updates about applications and eligibility. MyCity includes a 10-step benefits screener for services ranging from housing to ID cards. Existing features will be improved and new functions like small business assistance will be added during a rolling deployment.
New York, NY
United States
Bochum, NW streamlines citizen interactions with city departments using Speed Capture Kiosk
City officials installed the Speed Identity product at its Bürgerbüro Mitte or Citizens' Registration Office. Visitors step up to the kiosk and adjust the interface based on their height. LED lighting and a high-definition camera ensure clear photos for department use. A signature pad and fingerprint reader gather additional biometric data. Captured data are saved for up to two weeks and shared across municipal offices for confirmation of residency.
Bochum, NW
Germany
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, GB advances digital transformation with Agilisys collaboration
The seven-year contract with Agilisys shifts Bolton from physical IT infrastructure to cloud-based digital services. This shift improves collaboration and communication between council departments limited by previous methods. Council teams will be able to develop easy-to-use and streamlined processes for communicating with the public. Bolton's partnership with Agilisys enables advancements in assistive technology, online applications, and other areas in the Digital Bolton strategy.
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Welland, ON informs voters about the impacts of local elections with its Elections 101 video series
Welland's communications team produced the six-episode series ahead of municipal elections on October 24, 2022. Short videos explain how local services like winter operations and emergency services are shaped by the city council rather than provincial or federal elected officials. Elections 101 was designed for all residents with a focus on first-time voters and new residents. City officials promoted the series on social media prior to the election in hopes of boosting turnout.
Welland, ON
Canada
Welland, ON produces What's Up Welland? podcast for improved engagement with public services
What's Up Welland? is a weekly podcast exploring the ins and outs of the local community. The 43-episode first season began with a chat about the upcoming year with the mayor. Municipal employees were interviewed about topics like water treatment, proxy voting, and civil infrastructure. The podcast hosts also explored visiting attractions like the Femmes du Feu Creations circus and local fixtures like the Jackfish baseball team.
Welland, ON
Canada
Nijmegen, GE cuts down on unwanted ads in the mail with its yes-yes sticker program
Municipal officials identified unaddressed advertising mail as a major source of paper waste. The proposal creates an opt-in system for residents who want to continue receiving this type of mail. A ja-ja - or yes-yes - sticker on a mailbox leads to the delivery of unaddressed ads. Nijmegen also offers a no-no sticker for households that don't want addressed advertisements. Each household without a yes-yes sticker eliminates an estimated 26 kilograms of paper waste each year.
Nijmegen, GE
Netherlands
Grand Traverse County, MI responds to non-emergency situations with Citizen Online Reporting Portal
The County Sheriff's Office introduced the portal as it balances limited resources with a growing population. A form powered by LexisNexis Coplogic generates tickets for non-emergency incidents ranging from lost property to identity theft. Residents can use this portal for incidents taking place within the county without known suspects. County officials anticipate the replacement of up to 10% of calls by online reports, thus freeing staff for investigations.
Grand Traverse County, MI
United States