State technology in the spotlight
The Center for Digital Government, a trade association for providers of information technology to state and local governments, has released results of a recent survey ranking the Top 10 State Technology Leaders for 2006.
Southern states did well in the rankings, with Virginia coming in at 2nd, Arkansas 6th, Kentucky 8th, and Tennessee at 10th. Michigan was number one on the list, a spot previously held by Washington. Florida slipped off the list after ranking among the top 10 in previous surveys.
The Digital States Survey "is a comprehensive study that examines best practices, policies and progress made by state governments in their use of digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations." The rankings are based on "more than 70 measurements in four broad areas-service delivery, architecture and infrastructure, collaboration, and leadership."
Another recent survey by the same group ranked the Top State and Local Government Web Portals and Applications for 2006. Southern states did well in this survey, too, with Virginia ranked 4th and Arkansas ranked 5th. Alabama and Tennessee were both finalists.
In the city portal category, Tampa ranked second and Louisville ranked third. Baton Rouge was a finalist. In the county category, Seminole County Florida ranked first and Fulton County Georgia ranked second.
The rankings are "an annual awards program that recognizes the most innovative, user-friendly state and local government portals. This national awards program judges state, city and county Web sites on their innovation, Web-delivery of public services, efficiency, economy, and functionality for improved citizen access."
I can say from personal experience that it's nice to be able to renew your driver's license or purchase a fishing license online at Tennessee's website. We have also used the Tennessee and Florida websites for a variety of business related services.
The Tennessee General Assembly's site is a great resource to keep up with what's happening in the legislature and to research state law and proposed legislation. And there's always something interesting at the Registry of Election Finance.
Better use of technology is one key to more efficient and more open and responsive government. It's nice to see states around the South putting technology to good use.