Category Archives: Articles

What is E-Government? The organization of American States provides this definition: "Electronic government (or e-Government) is the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to government functions and procedures with the purpose of increasing efficiency, transparency and citizen participation.(1)" In everyday language, this means moving paper processes to digital (or electronic) services. Where government services were once handled in person, and by paper, E-Government services include things like applying for a business license online, submitting a digital permit application, or entering an online code complaint form. The term e-Government may eventually be replaced by the term GovTech for more on this - read What is GovTech and…

Public requests, FOIA requests, and other municipal requests can require a significant amount of staff time to process. Online request tracking systems offers numerous solutions to reduce staff workload, increase response times, and improve customer experience. Here are 6 steps your local government can take to streamline online request tracking: 1. Provide good request types to correctly categorize requests. Broad request type categories, like 'public records request' or 'public health issue' help your constituents easily identify the subject of their request. Use narrower sub-types to track the specific type of public records request - whether for code enforcement or permitting data. Sub-types provide a next level of…

What is Online Permitting Software? More than a fillable pdf, and light years beyond a paper form, online building permit software offers configurable online applications, offers online payment processing, automatic workflow routing, easy resubmittals, downloadable permit cards, and a citizen portal to track project status.  With all of these options, it's easy to see why your government should implement online permitting software. But in case you need more details, here are some key benefits: 1. Save Time - for Constituents and Staff An online portal allows online permit submission from anywhere. Whether from a property owner's home or a contractor's office, online submittals save them both the…

If your code enforcement department is paper-based, you may be neck-deep in paperwork. Have you considered the benefits of online code enforcement software? From enabling citizens to submit online complaints to automated templates that streamline notifications, to system-generated emails, to integration with parcel records and contacts, and the ability to collect fees online, moving your code enforcement program online will save your officers time and effort, and provides transparency to your citizens. Read on for details on the benefits of online code enforcement software. 1. Receive Complaints Electronically With an online code enforcement software program, your citizens can submit complaints and track the status of those complaints…