Y’all know that I’ve got this insatiable curiosity for technology solutions.  It’s in my Twitter profile, so it has to be true!

Since I was elected I’ve worked hard to help to bring the Town of Cary back to our “Technology Town of NC” origins.  We were one of the first to have a town website in NC, certainly one of the first to go totally paperless for our meetings and agenda, and our Open Data Portal – with its stories and accompanying data sets, push us above most towns and cities our size.  Years ago we tapped into some of the intellectual capital in the Town, and these amazing folks on the Technology Task Force provided us with a roadmap for the future.

And recently, our Chief Information Office, Nicole Raimundo was recognized as the Public Sector CIO of North Carolina. So, we’ve got the technology and vision chops that we need here at the Town. 

So, what’s Alexa?

Well, who here has an Amazon Echo? Or Alexa?  Raise your hands.  I see you.

Ok, well, if you don’t – you gotta check it out.  It’s like Siri for your house.  (And yes, before all you Google Fans get upset, there is a Google Home version of this as well.) By the way, it’s called the Amazon Echo – and Alexa, interchangeably.

Anyway, I have one. Of course, I do. And I love it.  What does it do, you ask?  Well, here’s the Alexa commercial – it’s kinda cool.

In general, Alexa is what we call a “connected device.”  (Read more about the Internet of Things (IOT) on my previous blog post.) I use it for activities and jobs that I might do with my phone. Like, to set a timer. But, I can do this by just telling Alexa to do it for me, through voice-activation. (Really useful in the kitchen when I’m cooking.)  I can play my Spotify music playlist – the speaker on Alexa is really amazing.  I tell her (yes, I’ve personified Alexa) what I need for my shopping list from time to time, and she tells me the news roundup, the weather report,  and will even tell me a joke.  She has a funny response for a dirty joke request, I hear.  And, briefly, for fun, I changed her name to “Computer” so I could feel like I was on Star Trek for awhile.

Alexa, like these other devices, are using what we call automatic speech recognition and natural language understanding – these are engines that allow the system to instantly recognize and be able to respond to your voice requests.  These skills began years ago – and you probably first saw them in use by computer voice phone systems – or Interactive Voice Response units (IVR.) You know them, they are those annoying systems when you call a customer service line, and they keep asking you questions, and sometimes don’t seem to understand you. Anyway, I digress.

These new devices look for your “wake word” – like “Alexa” or “Hey Siri.” Once you say that word or phrase, it’s ready to listen and respond. There is quite a bit of work to be able to understand your utterances and be able to respond correctly.

So – all of this is fun and it’s a great toy.  But the really exciting thing about Alexa is the fact that it’s OPEN, and other companies are starting to create “skills” for Alexa.

Ok, what’s a skill?

A skill is like an app – a capability that allows Alexa customers to engage with their device by using their voice.  For instance, playing music from my Spotify list, is a skill.  The cool thing about this is that developers can create and build new skills  And of course, these skills, or apps, can be put in the Alexa Store for users to enable on their home devices.

Some of these apps are what I would call useful, others, well, just for fun. For instance, you can:

•  – Order an Uber
•  – Play Jeopardy
•  – Hear a joke
•  – Order a pizza from Pizza Hut or Domino’s
•  – Play a fart noise (yes, that’s a skill)
•  – Turn on your lights, television, or change the thermostat (you need the requisite hardware installed)

My Alexa App

Just like the Apple Store, there are apps that are free, and some that cost money.  And, some are good, and some, well, not so much.

Government Apps

And, no surprise here – there are some government apps starting to appear.   Mississippi.gov has an app – where you can ask about your expiring driver’s license, get information about your government officials, or random facts about Mississippi.  Kinda cool.

MS.GOV Alexa App

But our innovative Town of Cary team – they are thinking bigger. They are taking a look at what questions you ask Town Hall, and then trying to find out ways to make it easier to find that information. Here are a couple of the videos we made while trying out their new skill called, ONECARY.  (That’s their test name, for now.)

First, do you want to find out who your Cary Councilmember is?

When are the open gym times in Cary?

This team is great – they are innovative, fun, big thinkers – yet really grounded on solving real problems.

We then brainstormed on a number of other skills – such as,

•  – “When’s my trash or recycling day? (I always get that mixed up – is it recycling this week?)
•  – “Order a door-to-door pickup on C-Tran.”
•  – “Where’s the bus?”
•  – “Contact my councilmember.”
•  – “Sign me up for a team/class.”
•  – “What’s the air quality?” (Especially helpful for Asthma sufferers)
•  – “When is leaf pickup?”
•  – “What’s the next movie at The Cary?”
•  – “What’s that Public Hearing sign by me?”

Of course, all of these skills would need to know where you live – so you would first “register” with the app – perhaps on the Alexa mobile app, so that we would know where you live.  And of course, the App needs access to the various databases at Town Hall, that provide this information.  All of this is in the early stages, but a few are being worked on, and I hope that they will be launched this Spring.  Stay tuned!

Some Concerns

And yes, as your Cybersecurity/Internet Security friend, there are some concerns to be aware of – as there are with any IOT device.  These systems (Siri, Google Home, Alexa) are “always listening” to you.  They are waiting to hear their name to wake up, like “Alexa” for voice activation.  For Alexa, that mean it is keeping about 60 seconds of audio in memory so it can pre-process, and have it seem like it’s responding instantly.  That listening is done locally, on the device, not in the cloud – so your audio is staying put.  And always listening doesn’t necessarily mean always transmitting.  If you’ve used the Alexa app, you can get to your queries and find them on the App – so once they are sent, they ARE stored.  I understand that folks might be concerned if this content could be hacked, or subpoenaed, just like your browser history or phone records.  My guess is yes – but just a guess.  If there is something out there that can be hacked, just assume the answer is yes.  And make sure to take precautions, that mean making sure your network is password protected – and practice safe cybersecurity.

Benefits

So, besides the “cool factor”  – why would we do something like this?  I can think of a lot of reasons.

First – our goal as your public servants, is to serve – and to do the best we can at serving you where you are.  That’s why we have a Facebook account (actually, several –one for Cary Spring Daze, the Cary Theater, etc.), and a Twitter feed, and a Cary YouTube Channel.

We also understand that not everyone is technically able, or sometimes physically able to use those platforms easily.  Maybe you are a senior who finds it easier to ask Siri or Alexa a question, and have those devices respond with the answer?  The hands-free idea is also great for some folks – sometimes easier than finding that computer or phone to look something up.  And, it’s pretty easy to do.

And sometimes, it’s just difficult to find the information.  I know that I’m a big fan of the WasteLine app – because it’s hard to figure out what LINE I’m on for recycling, on the Town website. But, it would be great to just ask Alexa on my way to take the cans to the curb.

Wasteline App

So, feel free to let us know what you want to see from us in this area.

_________________________________________________

Special thanks to the staff at the Town of Cary Technology Services for hosting me and giving me a sneak peek to this new innovation.

P.S.  Umm, Alexa thinks PickleBall (a favorite sport of some folks in Cary) – is something else, entirely.  Feel free to ask her.

I’ve written about it before, it’s part of my twitter profile, and I see the value of technology to engage citizens, connect people and improve lives.  Technology can bridge the gap between communities and continents, it democratizes all voices, allowing citizens to participate on a level playing field, and improve access – closing the educational divide.

You use it, and you want it

Here in Cary we’ve seen our citizens use technology to engage with the Town:

– Citizens use the Town website to look up Town agendas, minutes and development activity and watch Council meetings on YouTube.

– Provide budget feedback via Twitter (24 tweets), post on Facebook (37 comments) and email (66 emails).  The number of  Tweets and Facebook posts combined (61) this year were more than ALL of the input we received for last year’s budget (59 comments.)

– We saw you create an online petition signed by 1275 residents to save the Cary High School Water Tower

•   – A biennial survey that shows 54.5% of our citizens own or plan to own a smartphone this year and the trend is that smart phone users outnumber basic phone users.
• And on and on… 

• Charting a path

  The goal of creating the Technology Task Force (TTF) was to tap into the wealth of information that we have in our citizenry – these folks are the best of the best, and that’s what we needed.  We have incredibly technology literate people in Cary – you work for IBM, Cisco, NetApp, SAS, LexisNexis, … and so many of you use these tools everyday. Cary needed a set of recommendations from folks from all areas that use, build, or leverage technology; to share with the Town ways to increase citizen engagement, and to get us on the right path.

  And they delivered! The TTF gave Council 71 recommendations.  Of those, 2 have since been done (but not by the town.)

• Disappointment

I was hopeful that some of those recommendations would make it into the Town Budget for this year.  No such luck.  Not a single TTF recommendation – from improving the website, providing Open Data, to creating mobile apps, improving social media  or citizen engagement tools are included in the budget for next year. (I wrote about the Town budget earlier this year.)

Why?  It comes down to money and priorities.

Our Town budget is tight, and council has to make some hard decisions.  Town staff has detailed that implementing ANY of these recommendations will cost staff time, meaning real operating expenses.  And our collective priorities aren’t aligned to provide those funds.

I don’t disagree with staff.  It will cost money.  But I disagree with our priorities.

Here’s what I believe:

1. We need to foster Open Data – get the data that we have out there so that really cool people can build really cool apps, that make our lives easier.  Apps like RGreenway that now shows Cary Greenways (made possible by putting out our greenway data, but what about new greenways that come online?)  Then we can have great Open Apps – civic apps built with open data – and have I mentoned the value of Code for America?  (Join the Brigade!) 
   
2. We need an app or service like SeeClickFix, a 3-1-1 tool that allows citizens to post issues (pot holes, streetlight repair, and other nuisances and issues) to an app – getting you to submit and track non-emergency service requests.  More importantly, you can vote, and see if other people have submitted it, and track the requests.  We could call it “ASK Cary” – just sayin’.
3. We need expanded social media tools and engagement, to reach out to citizens where they are, and using what they use
4. Update our website.  Make it easier to use, to find content, and to easily find information.  How many times have you tried to find out if a Town field is open? A list of fun events coming up this month, for kids? For teens? For seniors? Something that looks professional, clean and easy to navigate.
5. We need a Town of Cary Official App – that would provide users with event information, get Town news, request services or connect with a Town official.

Raleigh’s SeeClickFix

Yes, it costs money

Technology isn’t free. I know that.   But I ALSO know that an investment in these areas can save us money in the long term – while also connecting us to you, our citizens.  Other cities have shown that these investments DO have return in cost savings in reduced phone calls, while providing real-time feedback to citizens. Leveraging technology is not just a nice or cool thing to do — it’s critical if the Town hopes to cut costs while still providing core, vital services.

And, most importantly, technology touches all of our citizens.  99% of our residents have internet access.  54.5% have a smartphone, or are planning on getting one. I’ve seen children looking up Skate Park information, our seniors using the web, and new users accessing their water data online. Improvement and expansion of our Town services touches us all, and it’s the right thing to do.

Not funding any Technology Initiatives this next year means that we are going to be another year behind.  We have a roadmap – given to us by our great TTF members, let’s do something.

What can you do?  Speak Up, Speak Out 

So, I might be the only one that thinks we can do better, but I hope not. I hope we can get back to Cary being the “Technology Town of NC” – but I’m afraid we won’t get there at this rate.

Personally, I think these initiatives are at least worth the kind of  $110,000 Public Art funding for Fire Station #2 that is in the current budget.

If you agree, or don’t, make sure to make your feelings known to your council members:

1. Speak at an upcoming Budget Public Hearing:
     At Town Hall on Thursday, May 23, 2013 and June 13, 2013, 6:30 p.m.
        (Held as part of the regular Council meetings)
       Town Council Chambers at Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy St
   
2. Call or email council with your thoughts
3. Tweet your ideas, thoughts or concerns about #technology in #cary to @TownofCary

You can read more about Cary’s FY14 Budget at our website.

Most importantly though, thanks for being an important part of Cary.

Sunshine Week (March 10-16, 2013) is a national initiative with the goal to both celebrate and focus on government transparency, open government and improving your access to government information. The term “sunshine” comes from a quote from Justice Louis Brandeis (of Brandeis University fame) who, in 1913 wrote,

…sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.

At that time, we only had print media as a reliable way to reach large masses of people on a regular basis, and Justice Brandeis saw the press as potentially “the greatest agency of good government”–but only “if the people are sufficiently interested to desire it.”

By Mark Goodson Streeter in support of Sunshine Week

FOIA

When it comes to requests for Public Informaiton, many of us are aware of FOIA – the Freedom of Information Act, the “law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.”

These types of Public Records requests are a cornerstone of transparency and democracy – ensuring and empowering people to play an active role in their government, whether at the local, state or federal level. It helps keep us, your representatives honest, accountable, and responsive to you.  We, at the Town of Cary, are committed to Open Government, and you can learn more about that and how to request Public Records, here.

TAKE THE QUIZ

So, instead of talking about the value of Sunshine, I thought I would point out a few public records tidbits that I have learned in my first year as a public official. I also found this great quiz – that you should take, just for fun. Let me know what you think about it.

1. All emails to Town Officials are Public Record and can be requested to be reviewed by a citizen.  Yes, that means that email you sent me about your neighbor’s fence, dog, cat… all public record.
2. You don’t need a reason for requesting a public record. And you don’t have to show ID to get it.
3. Property tax records are public. So yes, you can look up and see what your neighbor paid for his house.
4. Meeting minutes are taken for all public meetings – work sessions, board meetings, as well as Open and Closed meetings in the Town of Cary.
5. You can take pictures and tape record any public meeting.
6. If more than council 3 members attend a meeting, it is a quorum, and we must abide by the Open Meetings laws.

Now, go ahead and take the QUIZ created by the Gaston Gazette.  (I’ve given you a few of the answers, above, so you should get at least a few of them right.)

There’s an APP for THAT

Download the new “Sunshine” iPhone app or Android app created by the Sunshine Center of NC – where you can learn more about the kind of information available, who holds it, how to get it, as well as the Laws behind this important function of government. You can download it by typing in “NC Sunshine” in the search field, as well.  And yes, it’s FREE.

As always, if you have comments, questions or just want to reach out, you can always reach me for town business at Lori.Bush@Townof Cary.org.

(This is the moment when I know my mom is rolling her eyes – I can feel it.)  But, there is a “method to my madness,” because, as Nicholas Negroponte says:

Collage by Will Lion

So, with this post I hope to give you an idea, even if it’s a glimpse, into what Open Data IS, and why it is so important for Cary.  First, what is it?

What is Open Data?

Open Data is the act of making information that is collected during the course of normal Town operations (that doesn’t identify individuals or breach commercial sensitivity) available in a standardized way.  The data that we are talking about here includes geographic information (greenways, roads, parks), public event schedules, and basic crime statistics.  This is already public information, the act of making it OPEN and easily accessible in a standardized format allows users, developers, the Town itself, and the technology community to leverage and use this data in new and innovative ways. That can mean applications that increase citizen engagement, provide vital information to our citizens, and improve their quality of life. It can also mean ways to leverage the data to help us become a “smarter town”, by looking at ways to improve our processes and become more efficient.  Without consistent streams of this data, few people will invest the time it takes to unlock the immense value hidden in the information that is collected every day by the Town.

What does that really mean to me?

It means that by making this information more easily accessible, cool people (and companies) can create awesome apps.

Let me give you an example.   Check out RGreenway. (You can download the app for free from iTunes.

RGreenway is an iPhone app that came out of the CityCamp Raleigh event last year. (I was honored to participate in CityCamp with all of the fantastic citizen hackers out there.)  

From their website:

The RGreenway application, designed for smartphones, functions as a guide to the Raleigh Greenway systems. Long-term, the application is designed to make the 3800 acre 115 mile Raleigh Greenway system an integrated park. No other City or community of cities has invested as much as Raleigh and the Triangle in a system like ours. Few have committed themselves to the principle of open data like Raleigh has. Together this presents an opportunity to create America’s Smartest Park.

So, right now – it is only accessing Raleigh data – how about expanding it to include Cary, and the rest of the Triangle? Wouldn’t that be cool?

More Examples and Ideas

Let’s see how Open Data can be used to help citizens better connect with Town Hall, find information about Parks, Bus schedules, and more.

SeeClickFix is municipal app that creates stronger citizen engagement – by having citizens report issues directly from their phones to Town Hall.  (This app is being used in Raleigh, now.)

What if we had a Parks and Rec app that would list ALL of the parks, playgrounds, dog parks, community center, public restrooms and other interesting locations (like the Cary Arts Center and Historic landmarks) around Town.  We could enable location-based technology so that the app could tell you about interesting sites, greenways, paths or activities near you.

Photo by bobistraveling

QR code for Video of Fire Sculpture

In fact, just the other day I was speaking with Town Staff about the Fire Sculpture that is currently across from the Cary Arts Center.  Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could walk up to our Fire Sculpture today, and see a placard that explained the process that was used in its creation? (If you were there that day, it was truly magical.    It can be hard to imagine what it was like that week, by just looking at the ceramic piece now. ) But, it would really hel put some additional context around the experience by having a placard near the sculpture that described the creation steps, along with this QR code, that would launch the video actually showing you the process.

And finally – how about an app that taps into our C-Tran bus schedules. TransLoc has a few apps available for the Triangle Transit Authority today  – but they don’t yet include C-Tran. (I hear it’s coming soon!)   It will be great when a  C-Tran app will show you where the C-Tran buses are, the bus stops, schedules, and real-time commuting information. That’s data that is open, and could be made available to the public.

Open Data is a step in the right direction

As you may remember, the Cary Technology Task Force was created last year by Town Council, and was tasked with taking a look at how to leverage and improve technology services to citizens.  They looked at everything from our Town website, to social media, mobile applications, Open Data, how to engage citizens, as well as how to leverage technology to enhance economic development (and more).

These nine thought leaders on the Technology Task Force did an amazing job last year. After 4 months, with 2 sub committees and more than 300 collective hours in meetings they presented a 254 page report with a long list of prioritized recommendations.   (You can check out their abridged presentation below.)

Pardon me while I gush about these folks.  I am truly honored that these people gave of their time, talents and energy.  They brought more than their technology expertise, they brought a fresh perspective, a child-like inquisitiveness and curiosity, and a passion for excellence that so many of our Town boards and commissions have.  We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.  

If you see the following folks, please thank them!

• Eric Brown

• Ian Cillay

• James Dixon

• Hal Goodtree

• Laura Hamlyn, Vice-Chair

• Ian Henshaw, Chair

• Brandon Smith

• Eleanor Thorne

• Raymond Zeisz

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the Town Staff who kept up with this group – they worked long, long hours, and made this effort a true team success.

Getting back to Open Data.  Open Data is just one of their many recommendations and the impetus for submitting an Open Data Day Resolution.  This is just the FIRST step in a set of recommendations that came from the Technology Task Force – but it’s also a VITAL step in taking Cary to the next phase of our technology innovation.

This resolution also demonstrates that the Town of Cary is serious and absolutely committed to enhancing our openness and transparency, improving our technology prowess and driving economic opportunities and innovation, as well as participation by anyone that wants to help Cary along the way.  (You can look at Cary’s Open Data that is available on the Town’s website once it is posted at: http://data.caryNC.gov.)

This resolution also supports several upcoming events, as well.

•  – Cary’s Open Data Day – Feb 23^rd,  and Sunshine Week – starting on March 10th

Cary’s Open Data Day

The folks from the TTF were so energized that they set up Cary’s Open Data Day – scheduled for this Saturday, February 23^rd.

Feb. 23 is International Open Data Day – when people from around the world will gather together “to write applications, liberate data, create visualizations and publish analyses using open public data,” according to opendataday.org.

The event is sold out – but it’s just the first step in our journey. So if you are interested and didn’t get a seat, trust me, we will have more ways for you to engage.

In fact, check out the TriangleWiki – and share your knowledge of the Triangle , it’s a great way to get involved with the community.

Thanks for letting me “technology ramble” for awhile – hope to see you on Saturday!

In fact, now that many of my fellow Councilmembers have tablets, I hear this question more and more.  During our drive to the Cary Town Council retreat, Councilmember Jennifer Robinson and Mayor Pro Tem Gale Adcock and I started talking about this very subject.  I offered to send them a “tip” or “App of the Week” as they get used to their new devices – and then realized I could do better than that,  I have a blog!

As a “gadget girl” I tend to get the “What’s your favorite app?” question all the time. But more importantly, I ask it. Think about it. It’s probably why the “most popular” buttons (TOP APPS) on the iTunes store or Amazon (Customers who viewed THIS item also viewed…) are so prevalent. But I think it’s not that we want to know what other people HAVE, it’s that we want to find what might work for US. Make our lives a bit easier (if that’s possible), or help save us time, money or be more productive.

So, having said all that I thought I would highlight a few apps that I have, and use frequently. I will try to do this every month. (Gulp!) But, more importantly, I’d love to know what you use and love and can’t do without. (So please comment, or contact me!) I’ll start with my phone apps.

CardStar

From iTunes

I can remember the day I found this application. It was like a day of freedom.

Oh, wait, I have to tell you about it.

CardStar is a FREE application (for the iPhone and Android) that literally FREES YOU  from those little key chain and wallet membership cards. You know the ones, they are hanging from your key chain and making your wallet bulge. You can put all of your loyalty cards (Harris Teeter, A.C. Moore, CVS, Panera Bread, etc.) into the application, and voila, they are gone from your keychain.

AAA Card in CardStar

Travel a lot and hate having to manage all those Frequent Flyer and Hotel Cards? Add them to CardStar! I added my Wake County Library card information for the family – demonstrating how you can even add programs that CardStar doesn’t know about.

CardStar will allow you to scan the card using your phone’s camera to add to your virtual wallet. Then, when checking out, just bring up the application and click on your loyalty card. Some checkouts can scan the barcode with their handheld device (Harris Teeter, Sephora), others will have to type it in.

The application saves and backs up the data, and will sometimes post “deals” associated with your loyalty program.

You can find the app on the iTunes store, or learn more at their webpage.

Scramble with Friends

From iTunes

I’ll admit it. I love Boggle. I was introduced to Boggle by my mom, who plays a MEAN GAME.  Scramble with Friends is a FREE app (they have a paid version, as well) that is very similar to Boggle.  Find words on the board against a timer, and you play against other people.

It’s a bit addicting, and I’ve gotten better over time.  (My daughter still beats me at almost EVERY game.)  It can help me kill the time while I’m waiting for an appointment.  If you like Boggle, you’ll like this game.

Evernote

From iTunes

This free application is a bit different than the others, mentioned above.   It’s a productivity application that runs on all types of platforms – iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Android and more.

It’s my life saver.  It’s what I use to capture notes, ideas, pictures, to do lists, and so much more.  It saves my notes in the cloud, allowing me to access them from any device, at any time. Because it runs on all the platforms, I can take notes on my Mac, and then pull them up on my iPad when I’m at a meeting, or look them up on my iPhone later.

You can tag notes – say, tag things that are crafty, or DIY projects that you want to be able to search for later.  That powerful search capability will search ALL of your notes for a phrase or text.  It is truly a lifesaver.

I like the fact that I can use the “Web clipper” capability to capture things I find online. (It’s a plug in to the browser.) I have friends that the app to store receipts and other paper documents.  It’s easy to organize information using the “Notebooks” and “Stacks” – and then using the search capability; you can search across one, or all of the Notebooks.  There are also a number of “plug-ins” that make it even easier. Check out Evernote Food if you want to use it to manage your  recipes.

Please Share

So, I’ve shown you some of mine, I hope you will show and share yours. 

I love hearing what other people are using, how, and why.  I’ll make sure to share some new apps and technology in an upcoming blog post.

Thanks for reading!

I should first say that I love doing that.  It’s always been my passion to help people use technology to improve their lives – whether as a Product Manager or Homeland Security Advisor at Cisco, teaching internet safety classes or training teachers to use technology in the classroom as a way to excite and engage students.

 Confessions and Solutions

My iPhone

And, I have a confession. I have an addiction to the toys.  It’s true. I have 2 smartphones, 2 Macs, a desktop PC, an iPad, and other gadgets.  I just love the stuff. And, I don’t think I’m alone.  Wherever you go in Cary, you can find people on their devices.  Folks texting, tweeting, or updating their Facebook status.  They’re “checking in” or using Foursquare, sharing tips and restaurant reviews, shopping and navigating.  They’re Pinterest-ing (an online bulletin board), posting photos on Flickr, and stumble-upon  new information.  (If you didn’t get any of those references, click on the links to learn more.)

So, we use these tools in our day-to-day lives – so why can’t we use them to improve our engagement with at the town, and with our citizens?  I think we can.  Scratch that, I know we can.

Town of Cary Webpage from 2004

Many years ago, a citizen (now Mayor Weinbrecht) joined and led the Information Services Advisory Board.  It’s an advisory board to council on technology and communications used by the town.  That board, under his leadership, did some incredibly innovative (at that time) things.  They worked closely with staff and council to recommend website updates & communication ideas, with a goal of opening up more of our processes to the web (such as online permitting, and posting meetings over video.)  Much of this work has garnered awards for the town back in 2003.

But, in my opinion, we haven’t continued that progress. We once called ourselves the “Technology Town of NC” – but that isn’t where we are today.  But it COULD be.

My Vision

A town that leverages our fantastic infrastructure to deliver “just in time” information to it’s Citizens. Using Social Media (like the town’s Twitter feeds and Facebook pages) to outreach to citizens – posting park and field closings (no more calling the phone and waiting for the answering machine.)

Raleigh's SeeClickFix

Enabling SeeClickFix – (here’s Raleigh’s version) a mobile app that empowers citizens to assist the town in identifying non-emergency issues such as potholes, broken traffic lights or clogged sewers. Citizens will be able to help us locate and identify issues, and be part of the solution to help improve our community.

Streaming Town Council and other meetings for those of us without access to CaryTV 11. A growing number of us have DirectTV, without access to our cable access channel. Let’s create channels of information, in small nuggets making it easy and quick to digest the content.

Mashups of GoogleMaps with greenways, bike paths and other “citizen created” layers. (Take a look at one from New York City.)

Teach Cyber Security and Cyber Safety to our citizens. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. and we should find ways to teach our citizens how to stay protected while they’re connected.  (Full disclosure:  I have a board seat on the National Cyber Security Alliance – www.staysafeonline.org. )

Citizen outreach and reducing paper – using online surveys and portals/blogs to more quickly engage with citizens, use more online communications to reduce mail and postcard printing costs, and collaborate with citizens.

 What’s Next?

So many of these capabilities and applications are not only low or no cost – but some may save us money down the road, while also increasing citizen engagement and satisfaction.  Plus, there’s always the cool factor.

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Featured photo by: Seth Meranda