by Cory Fleming, ICMA’s senior technical director & program specialist

Deciding how to best invest in information and communication technology (ICT) is a tough job.  ICT has become an integral part of the infrastructure that supports local government service delivery. However, most local government managers are not subject matter experts in ICT.  Managers need to know how to take the guesswork of what products to purchase and decide on what features best meet organizational needs.

There are numerous software solutions for every department in a local government organization.  The list is long and reminds one of alphabet soup--from customer relationship management (CRM) to enterprise resource planning (ERP) to work order management to human resources management systems (HRMS) or human resources information systems (HRIS) and many more. Given the wide diversity of products available in this field, advance research is needed before investing in a new system.

But what type of research should be done in advance of an ICT product?  ICMA Research and Policy Team is currently studying how local governments make investment decisions and what steps and processes are used to ensure public dollars are used wisely and solve the problems that need to be addressed.  We hope to identify leading practices being used by local governments across North America.

The 2017 ICMA E-Government Survey will be released in mid-September. A paper version of the survey will be sent through the mail. An electronic Internet link will be provided as well.  Additionally, an open focus group will meet on Tuesday, October 24 from 7:00 -8:00 am in Room 222 of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.  Breakfast will be provided and a prize drawing will be held for participants.

If you are interested in joining this discussion, please contact Cory Fleming at cfleming@icma.org or 202-468-3253 for more information.