News Room

News Release

	Contact:
January 17, 2008	Mark S. Cox, APR Director of Public Communications 382-6241 (WK)
	-- or --
For immediate release	Lizz Gunnufsen Public Communications Coordinator 382-6241 (WK)

CITY RECOGNIZED BY CENTER FOR DIGITAL GOVERNMENT

CHESAPEAKE – The City of Chesapeake has been named among the top ten most technology-advanced cities of its size in America by the Center for Digital Government based on its 2007 Digital Cities Survey. The seventh annual study examines how city governments are utilizing digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations.

Chesapeake ranked tenth in the survey of cities with a population between 125,000 and 249,000.  The survey covered a variety of online initiatives and services, including customer service requests; City Council agendas, minutes and meetings; forms and payments; and emergency preparedness information.  Respondents were asked to outline strategic planning efforts that demonstrate how technological solutions are being implemented to benefit both citizens and city operations.

“This award acknowledges the hard work by our staff to use technology to both be more efficient and to meet citizens’ expectations,” said Mayor Dalton S. Edge. “It’s what the citizens expect of us, and we have delivered.” 

 “This year’s winners have really raised the bar for cities,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director for the Center for Digital Government. “Digital technology connects citizens with their government on a level never before achieved.”

According to the Center for Digital Government, the scores of the cities in the top ten reflect the use of cutting-edge technology through implementation and adoption of online service delivery, infrastructure standards and architecture components, and the planning and governance that make the transformation to digital government possible.

The results of the 2007 Survey of Chesapeake Citizens show that over 37% of citizens report that the City’s web site is “extremely important” as a source of information about Chesapeake services, programs and activities.  On line services make it possible for citizens to interact with City government in the way that is most convenient.

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a business division of e.Republic, Inc., a publishing, media and research firm based in Folsom, California.

For more information on the City’s online services, citizens are encouraged to visit the City’s web site, www.CityofChesapeake.net.