Local governments in the U.S. collect and maintain huge volumes of data.  The challenge for local government leaders is to determine how to put that data to effective use to improve service delivery and engage citizens.  Apps, dashboards and other digital tools can help analyze data for improved performance of service delivery and citizen engagement.

ICMA has teamed up with its long-time Strategic Partner, Esri, to run the Esri & ICMA Social Services App Challenge, a competition designed to develop better apps for local government managers and executives.  We want to bring developers and programmers together with local government leaders to create the tools communities need to open up government data and build stronger communities. We believe that you, governments, developers, and companies, from around the world can create or already have created the solutions that are needed.  

Three winners of the Esri & ICMA Social Services App Challenge will be selected to receive cash prizes of $1,500 for third place, $2,000 for second place and $2,500 for the grand prize.  Click here to see the Rules and Criteria for the Esri & ICMA Social Services App Challenge.

If you’re ready to take up the app challenge and put your creativity to work for better local government, here are your next steps:

1. Head to the Esri & ICMA Social Services App Challenge on DevPost at http://esri-icma2015.devpost.com
2. Register for the challenge on the home page (if you are not already a member of DevPost, you will need to sign up)
3. Join Esri’s GeoNet to get help and tips on how to incorporate GIS in your app at https://geonet.esri.com/community/government. 
4. Sign up for an ArcGIS Online Developer Account at https://developers.arcgis.com/en/plans/

Once you are in, our Esri-ICMA DevPost page will be your one-stop destination for all of your updates.

Questions? We’re here 24/7: appchallenge@esri.com

Winners will be announced at the ICMA Annual Conference in Seattle on Sunday, September 27.