As a local government leader, technology affects more than just your internal operations. Many tech issues directly impact your residents and need your attention.

Big Picture Issues

Technology touches many important areas, including community-wide concerns like climate change and diversity; local matters like economic growth, resident involvement, “smart cities,” and town planning; and management questions, including ethical and legal issues that affect how government works.

Which policies matter most depends on your community’s unique makeup—who lives there, what resources you have, and your specific goals. Technology can influence which policies you discuss, what goes in those policies, and how you create and implement them.

You can search online for examples of how specific technologies affect policies in other communities. AI chatbots can also help you write policies, understand different technologies, and related issues.

Connecting with Residents

If your community has lower-income residents, address the “digital divide”—the gap that makes it harder for some people to access digital services. Consider policies that provide access to computers, internet connection, and digital skills training.

Make sure your online resources work for everyone. Create digital platforms that encourage residents to participate and provide feedback on decisions. Use data analytics and visualization tools to show government information clearly. This supports transparency and accountability in government operations.

Have clear policies about open data and sharing information with the public. This includes handling public records requests, using social media and other online platforms, offering language translations, and helping people with vision problems. This also means making websites work on all devices (“responsive design” in tech speak).

Growing Your Local Economy

While your role might be limited, you can work with state or county officials on policies that support digital infrastructure and technology hubs, and partner with schools and businesses to provide technology training. Support new businesses through programs like incubators and startup assistance.

Creating a Smart City

Today’s smart cities use data to make better decisions. Consider adding sensors and data tools to improve planning and infrastructure. Use data to make better decisions and work with tech companies and researchers to test new traffic and waste management solutions. More technologically advanced places can consider “digital twin” technology to support planning, utility, and traffic management. These tools promote innovative, sustainable, and resilient communities.

Handling Management, Ethical, and Legal Questions

Create a committee of employees and residents to address these issues. Topics might include:

• Guidelines for responsible technology use.
• Privacy concerns and avoiding bias in automated decisions.
• Following relevant laws about technology and data.
• How new technologies affect municipal services.
• Barriers to using new technology.
• Technologies that help people with disabilities.
• Long-term strategies to keep up with technology changes.

Addressing Climate Change

Many towns are tackling environmental challenges through local and regional advocacy groups. Your policies might include renewable energy sources, improved transportation systems, electric vehicle adoption, and using sensors and data to monitor environmental conditions.

Every place will approach these ideas differently based on local needs and priorities. Consider your demographics; available resources (budget, staff expertise, infrastructure); and community goals, such as sustainability, economic development, and quality of life.

The key is to stay informed and use technology to better serve your residents. Regular assessment of technology needs and impacts will help you develop policies that truly benefit your community.

Human author’s note: AI chatbots were used to help develop and write this article. One chatbot was used to develop a bullet point outline of types of policies. The author added relevant commentary to establish a draft article. A second chatbot took that article and reduced the number of words. The author then edited that into the final narrative.

MARC PFEIFFER, an ICMA Life Member, is a marginally retired New Jersey town administrator and state agency manager. He is currently a senior policy fellow and assistant director at Bloustein Local, a unit of the Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University. (marc.pfeiffer@rutgers.edu)