Technology is a high priority topic for ICMA members with good reason. Managers want to make smart strategic decisions on technology investments and plan to use technology in an effective and efficient manner.

The #LocalGov Technology Alliance, a collaborative effort between ICMA and leaders in the technology field, responds to this need for information, and focuses on identifying emerging issues that local government managers need to take into account in running their jurisdictions. 

With support from ICMA’s Strategic Partner, OnBase by Hyland, ICMA will establish an Advisory Panel on Technology Content to help determine what type of information our members need most. Among the questions we hope the panel will help us answer:

• What are the issues managers are hoping to solve through technology?
• What outcomes are they expecting or needing?
• In what format do managers want to receive technology content?
• Do they want a comprehensive treatment of a technology application or challenge, or a very narrow solution to a very specific issue?
• What would they describe as the five most pressing technology challenges? How are the challenges different for small versus large governments?
• Do managers understand how to assess technical challenges even when they have little technical expertise themselves? What circumstances make them feel well-prepared to address or delegate technology issues?
• Do they know how to evaluate prospective technology partners?
• Are there related topics that also require new content such as performance analytics, data management, or freedom of information requests?

Level of Commitment

Initially, members of the advisory panel will be asked to do some background reading and will be involved in a webinar-based planning exercise to organize the group’s work plan. The group is expected to convene once a quarter in either a webinar or conference call setting with a face-to-face meeting planned for the 2015 ICMA Annual Conference in Seattle.

Application Process

We anticipate working the panel will be 12-15 members coming from all population ranges, geography and levels of professional experience. Apply by November 18. 

For more information on the panel, contact Cory Fleming at cfleming@icma.org or 207-854-1083.