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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 2008 Digital Cities Survey. The eighth annual study examines how city governments use technology to create a seamless environment between local government and constituents.

Chesapeake ranked ninth in the survey of cities with a population between 125,000 and 249,999.  The survey covered a variety of online initiatives and services, including customer service requests; City Council agendas, minutes and meetings; forms and payments; use of GIS; Web 2.0; 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.

“Technology is an extraordinarily powerful tool that has allowed Chesapeake to better meet the needs of citizens and businesses alike,” said Mayor Alan P. Krasnoff. “By using innovative approaches, Chesapeake has improved access to important city information and services through the internet.  At the same, time, we've been able to build and put to good use systems that improve emergency response times, or make sure questions get answered.

"But technology isn't the end, "Krasnoff said, "it's just a means to help us operate with a greater degree of efficiency and responsiveness, which really is the bottom line.  And when it comes to that, my goal is to be number one.”

“This year’s winners reflect that even with budgetary challenges, cities are placing a high value on citizen engagement and improved services,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director for the Center for Digital Government. “Cities are incorporating newer technologies such as Webcasting, podcasts and blogs while continuing to use information technology to enhance delivery options for citizens and businesses.”

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.

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 division of e.Republic, a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector.

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