The tech crowd flocked to the 2016 Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA last week.  The invitation-only event focuses on the current and future impact of digital technology on our lives — at home, at work, in our communities and the world. Mary Meeker, a partner with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), spoke on Internet and new technology trends.  Among the findings she shared here are 7 trends local leaders should consider:

Millennials represent nearly 30% of the population and the largest generation in the U.S.  This generation grew up with the Internet. They are comfortable with the technology using multiple screens/applications at the same time.  Local governments need to determine which of those apps can best reach this generation with community news.

Global Internet use is flat with high market penetration in developed countries.  The number of users is still increasing, but the growth rate from year to year has slowed.  Not all citizens have easy access to the Internet and delivery of critical information must take this into account.

The global number of smartphone users is slowing after five years of high growth rates.  People will continue to purchase new smartphones, but the exponential growth in the number of new users will slow down. While many people have transitioned to using smartphones, local governments should continue to use a mix of communication channels to reach their citizens.

More searches are being done based on speech and images rather that text.  Local governments need to track how citizens are searching for information and what information they are searching for to improve self-service delivery.

Slower economic growth, higher debt and an aging population are slowing the speed of development in the technology sector. Moving forward, innovation and increased efficiency will be critical for creating new economic opportunities on the Internet.

Greater use of videos and imaging continues to rise. 

 Via Candace Payne, Facebook

Consider that Chewbaca Mom’s Facebook live video feed received 153 million views.  For local governments considering which communication channels to use on a projects, the use of video and images are strongly encouraged.

This post was written in coordination with ICMA-OnBase Advisory Panel on Technology Content.