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PRIORITY GOAL #4: IMPLEMENT SELECTED NEW TECHNOLOGIES <br /> THAT WILL IMPROVE MUNICIPAL SERVICE DELIVERY AND CREATE <br /> OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES <br /> Summary of Goal #4: So-called "Smart Cities" are communities that deploy <br /> technology to solve problems, enhance service quality and improve efficiency. Due <br /> to financial constraints,the city must select carefully and wisely from the many <br /> technology enhancement options now available to municipal governments so that <br /> only the most cost-effective solutions, and those most suited to Decatur's needs,are <br /> considered. Cost-benefit analyses should be conducted for each technology before it <br /> is approved and deployed to verify that the advantages to city deployment warrant <br /> the cost and outweigh any potential liabilities. <br /> Discussion&Strategies. During its planning retreat,the City Council discussed the <br /> following new technology strategies: <br /> 1. Develop a technology plan for the city of Decatur identifying and <br /> illustrating the impact of available municipal technology and whether it <br /> can add value to city's service delivery and the lives of Decatur citizens <br /> 2. Create a review process whereby the Ciry Council can continue to <br /> monitor and evaluate emerging technologies of relevance to Decatur. <br /> 3. Staff will research and identify those technology applications that are <br /> most likely to bring added value to municipal problem solving, service <br /> delivery and operational efficiency. Technologies to be considered in the <br /> short-term include: <br /> a. Police worn body cameras <br /> b. Surveillance cameras (possibly with GIS &`shot-spotter' interface) <br /> c. Artificial Intelligence deployed information-gathering mechanisms <br /> that can mine social media and other non-traditional <br /> communication platforms to gain greater insight into preferences <br /> and needs of Decatur citizens,to improve governance <br /> d. Enhanced vehicle tracking and intersection monitoring <br /> e. Development of a"Decatur App"to direct citizens and visitors to <br /> special events, available downtown parking spaces, and other <br /> services (including visitor and guest services) <br /> £ Deployment of existing and expanded broadband fiber to <br /> commercial and for-profit users—and not just government and <br /> non-profits—and use of an expanded broadband network to <br /> support more wireless and data sharing among local governments <br /> such that revenue can be produced to support more technology <br /> investment with less funding from the General Fund. <br /> Recommended implementation of new technologies should be incorporated into the <br /> city's budget beginning in FY 2020 and should be annually evaluated to determine if <br /> they are meeting the city's objectives for service quality enhancement, data <br /> collection and efficiency. <br />