Nearly 70% of local governments report improved communication with the public as a result of their E-government initiatives, and 56% cited improved customer service, according to the results of a comprehensive survey of cities and counties conducted by ICMA. More than 3,400 cities and counties (42%) responded to the survey, which covered E-government services (current and future), financing, and management; online procurement; geographic information systems (GIS); and use of intranets. Other highlights of the survey include:

• The vast majority of local governments (over 99%) have Internet connectivity.
• All reporting jurisdictions with a population of 250,000 or more have a Web ste.
• Close to 60% provide downloadable forms, online communication with elected and appointed officials, employment information and applications, and codes and ordinances on the local government Web site; nearly 76% post council agendas and minutes.
• Less than 30% of respondents accept online requests for local government records or services (such as pothole repair), provide GIS/mapping data, or send electronic newsletters to residents and businesses, but 50% to 62% of those respondents plan to provide these services in the future.
• The most frequently cited barriers to E-government initiatives are lack of financial resources (64%) and lack of technology/web staff (63%).

This document presents aggregate survey results. Learn more about ICMA's survey research.