Chair
Gail M. Roper, CIO
Raleigh, NC

Member, PTI Board of Directors

PTI Staff Member
Dale Bowen, Assistant Executive Director for Program Development, 202-626-2456

08-07-2009     Send a link     Topics:  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

By PTI CIO Clifford Clarke

As PTI’s current CIO and as a former jurisdictional Chief Information Officer (CIO) I am quite familiar with the “go slow” approach local governments take with rapidly changing technologies.

There are numerous reasons for this chosen pace. CIOs do not want to be seen as chasing the next hyped technology and therefore become out of alignment with the business unit. CIOs prefer to have others dull the bleeding edge of new technology adoption, preferring to wait and see that bugs are remediated and the hardware or software are more aggressively and broadly tested and deployed.

Read more    03-09-2010

Available for download as PDF files:

Lessons Learned from the Implementation of ERP
Debra Bond, Director, OneSD, City of San Diego and Naresh Lachmandas, CIO, City of San Diego

The Process of Conducting an ROI Assessment
Spencer Stern, Government Finance Officers Association

State & Local Fiscal Outlook – Turning the Corner in 2010
Chris Dixon, Manager, State & Local Industry Analysis, INPUT

Federal Broadband Programs: How are Local Governments Doing and What More Needs to be Done and Federal Broadband Programs: BTOP NOFA 2
Nicholas P. Miller, Miller & Van Eaton PLLC, Washington, D.C.

Members: Read more    03-08-2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM ET

The City of Philadelphia didn’t even have its new Philly311 system up and running before it lost roughly $3 million to budget cuts in 2008. Yet the city managed to launch the new service before the end of that year and handled about 1.1 million calls in 2009.

With customer satisfaction ratings around 89%, the city has good cause to celebrate its decision to move forward with the service.

Read more    02-21-2010

PTI presented this webinar on February 4, 2010.

The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) have made available $4.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption in America. This is the second funding round for the agencies’ broadband programs.

This webinar was intended to help local governments interested in applying for Round Two funding.

It examined the differences between the Round One and Round Two application process and highlighted the types of projects that will be considered in Round Two.

Host: Alan Shark, PTI Executive Director     Presenter: Gerry Lederer, Miller & Van Eaton

View this webinar

02-03-2010     Send a link     Topics:  Past Webinars & Events  Web Management & E-Government  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

PTI Staff Contact: Dale Bowen, 202-626-2456.

Using technology tools that promote transparency in municipal government is the leading technology topic of interest to local officials, according to a brief survey of National League of Cities (NLC) and Public Technology Institute (PTI) members.

Read more    02-01-2010

Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 1:00-2:15 PM ET

This is the third of four webinars in the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) / PTI series on the policy implications on the use of Web 2.0 and social media tools by city and county governments.

This in-depth session will focus on the internal legal and policy issues between a public entity and its employees when dealing with social networking and other similar technologies.

Read more    01-20-2010

Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 1:00-2:15 PM ET

This is the last of four webinars in the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) / PTI series on the policy implications on the use of Web 2.0 and social media tools by city and county governments.

This session will discuss the following litigation-related questions:

• Discovery issues with information hosted on third-party social networking site – You might be asked to produce this information at a later date.
• Using information from social networking sites as evidence
• Overview of decided and pending caselaw related to social networking
• Explore cities/counties that have faced legal impediments and outcome.

The PTI member cost for this webinar is $99.00; $199.00 for non-members.

Register for this May 5 webinar       About GoGovTV Webinars

01-19-2010     Send a link     Topics:  Coming Webinars & Events  Web Management & E-Government  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

PTI Staff Contact: Alan Shark, 202-626-2445.

Call for Authors

Public Technology Institute (PTI) in cooperation with the National Association for State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) will publish the book CIO Leadership for States: Emerging Trends and Practices that will showcase the contemporary aspects of state CIO leadership.

We are now seeking experts in the 13 fields we have identified. We define experts liberally, as those with a track record studying or engaged in all aspects of state CIO leadership.

Read more    01-12-2010

PTI Staff Contact: Dale Bowen, 202-626-2456.

In August and September 2009, PTI and INPUT conducted a national survey of local government chief information officers (CIOs) and information technology (IT) directors.

This slide deck, from our November 19, 2009 webinar, contains survey data along with analysis/insight from PTI and INPUT staff based on the survey itself and additional research. Also available at the link below is the survey summary.

Members: Read more    12-18-2009

On November 18, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission issued a landmark Declaratory Ruling on the authority of local governments to regulate the siting and permitting of wireless antenna facilities. The ruling is effective immediately. Local governments should be aware of the key timelines established by the ruling.

PTI offers members a 17-page analysis of this important FCC decision.

Members: Read more    11-24-2009

Public Technology Institute (PTI) has announced the appointment of Clifford Clarke as Chief Information Officer.

Mr. Clarke is the former CIO with the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana and has a strong background in information technology in both the public and private sectors.

Read more    10-28-2009

PTI presented this webinar on October 8, 2009.

Software-plus-Services is the next logical step in the evolution of computing. By deeply and genuinely combining the best aspects of software with the best aspects of cloud-based services, you can deliver more compelling solutions and services to your citizens.

Presenter: Erika Cheley, Microsoft State and Local Government Online Services Specialist

View this webinar

10-09-2009     Send a link     Topics:  Past Webinars & Events  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

PTI Staff Contact: Dale Bowen, 202-626-2456.

Web 2.0 technologies and social media tools are becoming more of an option for local governments to use as a platform for enhanced citizen engagement.

In August 2009, PTI conducted a survey of local governments about their use of and experiences with Web 2.0. The survey was sent to local government IT executives, e-government directors and web managers.

Three hundred fifty U.S. cities and counties were asked to participate in the survey, with 15 percent responding.

A report summarizing the survey findings is available to PTI members.

Members: Read more    09-21-2009

"With this important new book, PTI brings much needed advice, support and companionship to the lonely government CIO!"
Bill Schrier, CTO, City of Seattle

Visit the book's blog!

CIO Leadership for Cities & Counties: Emerging Trends & Practices is designed to help local elected leaders, city and county managers and chief information officers (CIOs) navigate the major technology, management and policy issues they face in a constantly changing environment.

Read more    07-20-2009

PTI presented this webinar on July 14, 2009.

There can be a silver lining in the dark cloud of the economic climate that technology executives are currently facing. Difficult decisions must be made regarding budgets, staffing and resource allocation.

However, with the difficult times also comes the opportunity for CIOs to develop new strategies for service delivery, to re-examine IT governance models and the role IT plays in the entire enterprise, and to re-tool the IT organization to make it more effective.

Read more    07-16-2009

PTI Staff Contact: Dale Bowen, 202-626-2456.

Best Practices in 311/CRM: What Recent Research Shows about Successful Implementation

PTI and other leading national organizations have created a list of twelve best practices for local governments to consider for the planning, development and implementation of 311/CRM systems.

Download this item now [PDF]

06-04-2009     Send a link     Topics:  Consulting & Advisory Services  Citizen-Engaged Communities  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

Rutgers - SFSU Municipal E-Governance Survey Ranks Washington DC #1

A national survey of city websites has identified Washington, DC as the top-ranked city in the performance of municipal E-governance. The research study was conducted jointly by the E-Governance Institute, School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University-Newark, and the Department of Public Administration at San Francisco State University.

Read more    05-21-2009

PTI Staff Contact: Alan Shark, 202-626-2445.

On April 22, 2009, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced a partnership between its frequency coordination subsidiary, APCO-AFC, and PTI.

APCO-AFC will provide support to PTI’s local government entity and agency members. Specifically, APCO-AFC will provide frequency coordination, engineering and licensing services, and licensing management to PTI’s Private Land Mobile Radio (CFR47, Part 90) licensees.

Read more    04-23-2009

To help PTI members position their communities to receive funding for broadband projects as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), PTI presents the Tech Brief American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: What are the Opportunities for Community Broadband for America’s Cities and Counties?

Members: Read more    03-20-2009

Multi-channel contact centers - a 311 telephone number, a city or county website, or walk-up help desks - provide citizens quick and easy access to local government. For elected leaders, these centers help you stay in touch with your constituents.

To help elected leaders better understand the role that these centers can play in connecting with constituents, and to help elected leaders understand the technologies that bring these centers to life, PTI has published the brief guide The Value of Multi-Channel Contact Centers: A Checklist for Local Elected Officials.

Read more    03-13-2009

The Federal Broadband Stimulus Package provides $7 billion on a competitive grant and loan basis to local governments, non-profits and other entities that meet a public interest test for constructing and operating "ready to go" wired and wireless broadband systems, and for providing broadband networks and community support facilities to public safety, schools, libraries, medical and health-care providers, community colleges and job-creating strategic facilities.

PTI and the law firm of Miller & Van Eaton offered a webinar on the Federal Broadband Stimulus Package on February 24, 2009.

Read more    02-23-2009

PTI would like to thank those who attended the Fourth Annual CIO & Leadership Summit, January 27-29, 2009 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Among the subjects covered were sustainable public-private partnerships; public-safety systems and collaboration, including the creation of a Fusion Center by several Arizona cities; and what it’s like being a CIO in today’s tough times.

PTI Executive Director Alan Shark gave two presentations that are available for download:

CIO Leadership - Operating in a Budget Crisis: 10 Steps for CIOs to Survive and Succeed

Seven Trends That Will Transform Local Government Through Technology

PTI thanks ACS, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Plante & Moran for their support of this Summit.

Members: Read more    02-05-2009

Strategies for Building a Multi-Channel Contact Center offers insight for local governments on integrated communication channels and technology approaches that empower citizens through direct interaction with government.

This paper was produced as part of PTI’s Citizen-Engaged Community Designation program. The goal of this program is to challenge local government to achieve high standards in citizen participation, seamless service delivery and democratic accountability.

Buy this publication with a credit card. See How to Use the PTI Store for ordering information.

02-02-2009     Send a link     Topics:  Telecommunications & IT  Citizen-Engaged Communities  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

A new TechBrief outlines how the WiMax wireless technology will use the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) frequencies reserved for educational institutions.

Read more    12-23-2008

Thirty-eight percent of local government information technology budgets will decrease over the next two years as a result of the economic slowdown, according to the results of a national survey conducted by Public Technology Institute (PTI) and INPUT.

The survey, The State of City and County IT 2008, targeted local government chief information officers (CIO) and information technology (IT) department directors.

Read more    11-13-2008

Download this item now [PDF]

11-13-2008     Send a link     Topics:  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

Citizen call centers, along with integrated online and interactive voice response telephone systems, provide local governments with an opportunity to significantly enhance citizen services and improve government accountability and transparency.

Through call manager telephony systems, CRM/work order systems and web-based applications, local governments can coordinate service delivery and generate excellent, real-time performance data to identify high complaint areas, specific improvement needs and customer communication requirements.

Read more    11-04-2008

Downloads and links for the information technology plans of local government PTI members.

To include yours, please contact Dale Bowen or Bennett Kobb at PTI.

Frederick County, MD Technology Strategic Plan, Revised April 2008

New York City PlanIT: Technology Plan 2008

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) IT Strategic Plan

Scottsdale, AZ Strategic Plan 2008

Members: Read more    10-10-2008

The Municipal & Utility Guidebook to Bringing Broadband Fiber Optics to Your Community is a free, comprehensive guide to the economic and quality-of-life benefits of robust fiber infrastructure. It examines in detail four communities that have successfully deployed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services to their citizens and businesses.

“This guidebook helps government leaders build a strong case for investing in FTTH infrastructure,” said Alan Shark, Executive Director of PTI. “With thorough analysis, interviews and painstaking research, it sets forth strategies that, if followed, will help American communities whose broadband needs are not being met by current market dynamics to prosper in the information age.”

Read more    09-09-2008

WASHINGTON, DC, July 17, 2008 - A pothole in the street? A loose dog running around the neighborhood? Missed trash pick-up? Every day Americans want or need to make a call to their local government for service or information, but don’t always know where to call.

An emerging technology, 311 service, is making it easier for citizens to connect with their local government when they need help—all through a simple phone call to 3-1-1 or the touch of a button on a government website.

A new group created by several leading organizations has formed to promote the use of and serve as a resource on centralized customer service systems such as 311 call centers, citizen relationship management (CRM) systems and online service requests, to improve local government service delivery and performance.

Read more    07-17-2008

Alan R. Shark, D.P.A. & Sylviane Toporkoff, Ph.D., executive editors and contributing authors

With 27 chapters from 44 authors and contributors from ten countries, this exciting book captures the latest in theory and practice in how governments can use the latest technology to reach out to citizens, and the many methods and benefits of doing so.

Order now from Amazon.com   Paperback: 346 pages, published by Public Technology Institute and ITEMS International: $39.95

Read more    06-30-2008

PTI’s CIO Council met October 4-5 in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The agenda included discussion of IT governance, ERP/CRM, ITIL, e-discovery and access to records, and collaboration between IT and facilities management for the role IT can play in developing smart buildings.

The Council took a tour of the Menlo Innovation Lab, a software firm in Ann Arbor that promotes collaboration through team projects and an open atmosphere, and the Duderstadt Center at the University of Michigan, where members saw virtual simulation tools, 3-D and collaboration technologies the University is making available to students and faculty.

The Council also heard from Vicki Barnett, mayor of Farmington Hills, MI and representative to the NLC Advisory Council on the technology and telecom issues that NLC is following.

10-23-2007     Send a link     Topics:  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

This report by Beverly B. Kothe of MarketWise, Inc., contains the findings of a study conducted for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina in late 2006.

The intent of the study was to help leaders learn how the city is using technology to meet citizen needs, and to identify emerging needs or trends that the city can address using technology.

Members: Read more    06-14-2007

This PTI white paper outlines a variety of broadband options available to consumers at large. It points out that many Americans cannot now access, nor will they be able to access in the future, many of the most popular technologies like DSL or cable based solely on geography.

The paper acknowledges that satellite broadband services are well suited to address the needs of rural consumers, small businesses and local governments.

Download this item now [PDF]

05-11-2007     Send a link     Topics:  Chief Information Officers (CIOs)     Print version

The CIO Council is composed of leading-edge Chief Information Officers and telecommunications directors from across the nation.

The council identifies and responds to emerging technology issues sometimes before the marketplace recognizes the opportunity or challenge. For example, the first two local governments to establish a web site in 1994 are longstanding members of this innovative consortium.

Read more    11-02-2006