Public Facilities

Opportunity Area #8 – Coordinate Technology to Attain Regional Efficiency

People rely on local governments to deliver vital services and information that impact the quality of their lives and economic well-being. Increasingly, they expect to be able to interact with the government as conveniently and easily as they do with their favorite commercial brands and service providers.       

Technology such as chatbots, AI and SMS empower more flexible hours of operation for government agencies which are more compatible with customers’ schedules, reduce wait times and even help to meet special language needs. 

Policy Recommendations

8.A Encourage and promote partnerships among public service providers that advance shared services, interconnected utilities, and intuitive combined customer accessibility to avoid duplication of effort and maximize efficiency.

8.B Leverage and invest in technology infrastructure to generate more accurate and reliable data to make better community development decisions.

8.C Align workforce needs and operational evolutions to embrace the most efficient technology to best perform and provide utility services, including remote and automated operations.

8.D Support and encourage actions for all households to have hi-speed internet access.

8.E Local utility operators will identify and work with local communities and regulators to eliminate redundant regulation to gain efficiency and reduce costs.

8.F Local governments should ensure that the costs of providing infrastructure for development are accounted for and covered by available funds, fee structures, and financial benefits to the community.