For the third year in a row, the City of Rancho Cordova has been named a Digital Cities Survey Winner by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government.

The award recognizes Rancho Cordova for its top 10 Information Technology (IT)-related initiatives that excel in promoting transparency, accountability, and communication. Rancho Cordova ranked fifth in the “less than 75,000 population category.”

One of Rancho Cordova’s 10 initiatives is mobile offices for Code Enforcement officers, Animal Services officers, and building inspectors. The challenge the City’s IT team encountered was how to provide technology and connectivity so staff can work in the field versus at a stationary desk.

The City identified and installed technology solutions in City vehicles that now provide virtual desktop access, printers, and WiFi. These programs increase productivity, allow staff to work more effectively, and set the City apart from other local government agencies.

“I have seen other jurisdictions try to implement this technology in the field but the great part about our system is that it actually works,” said Rancho Cordova Building Inspector Howard Williams.

Another initiative relates to the City’s Fresh Take branding campaign launched in 2014. The City’s Communications team was looking to get a fresh take on citizen engagement and identified technology solutions that would help in the effort. It started by launching a new mobile application called Fresh Connect that allows citizens to submit, track, and view service requests via a computer or mobile device. The tool also allows citizens to submit and receive requests in over 80 languages to accommodate Rancho Cordova’s diverse community.

In 2015, the City continued its roll-out by creating and launching a new website at AFreshTake.org that features many local amenities and services, and Fresh News: a monthly e-newsletter. These tools allow the City to provide information on a more frequent basis, which increases transparency and promotes education.

“After three consecutive years of being named a Digital City, it is clear Rancho Cordova is on the cutting edge of technology,” said Rancho Cordova’s Information Technology Director Jay Hadley. “Our City Council, City Manager, and all our staff continue to support our efforts to innovate through technology. The results increase citizen engagement, contribute to a positive workplace culture, and save money.”

Now in its 15th year, the Digital Cities Survey focuses on collaboration among cities, counties, and regions in the United States. Responses are reviewed and judged based on a set of criteria and how well the cities implemented these services across the entire city.

“The top-ranked digital city governments in this year’s survey are using cloud services, data analytics and mobile apps — among other technologies — to help citizens interact with government more easily than ever before,” said Todd Sander, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “These cities are true innovators and we applaud their efforts to increase transparency and open government, encourage citizen participation, and enhance cybersecurity. Congratulations to the winners!”

Visit www.CityOfRanchoCordova.org for more information on award-winning information technology-related initiatives, and to sign up for Fresh Connect and Fresh News.

Source: City of Rancho Cordova