Seattle Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, proposed on Sept. 8 the utilization of a government and technology outline that will optimize the use of technology to increase transparency, enhance access to city information, and improve government efficiency.
One step of the outline involves implementing an open-format system for city data, which will allow for data collaboration and integration through various web technologies.
Another step provides a service for mobile phone applications that will allow residents to report a city complaint such as potholes, graffiti, streetlight outages, or abandoned vehicles.
In addition, the outline encompasses using web video conferencing tools for meetings conducted by boards and commissions (resulting in reduced fuel costs), providing residents with conservation management tools that allow them to maximize their home energy efficiency, and deploying a “my.Seattle.gov” Public Engagement Portal that provides a customizable and dynamic interface.
The next step of the initiative involves the Department of Information Technology and the Citizens’ Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board working with other city departments to provide feedback on the recommendations. ♦
Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and webcast live on the City Council’s website at www.seattle.gov/council. Follow the Council on Twitter at twitter.com/SeattleCouncil.