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PRIORITY GOAL #4 <br /> Incorporate Select New Technologies to <br /> Improve Municipal Service Delivery, Create <br /> Efficiencies, and Enhance Access to Information <br /> and Services for the Citizens of Decatur <br /> OVERVIEW: So-called"Smart Cities" are communities that deploy technology to solve <br /> problems,enhance service quality and improve efficiency. Due to financial constraints,the city <br /> must select wisely from the many technology enhancement options now available to <br /> municipal governments so that only the most cost-effective solutions,and those most suited to <br /> Decatur's needs and goals,are considered. Cost-benefit analyses should be conducted for large <br /> technology projects before they are approved and deployed to verify that the advantages <br /> warrant the cost and outweigh potential liabilities. <br /> Key Implementation Strategies: <br /> Develop a technology plan for the city of Decatur identifying and illustrating the impact of available <br /> new municipal technology and whether it can add value to city's service delivery and the lives of <br /> Decatur citizens. <br /> 1. Create a review process whereby staff can continue to monitor and evaluate <br /> emerging technologies of relevance to Decatur and links them to performance <br /> outcomes and progress reports tied to these strategic goals. <br /> 2. Staff will research, identify and recommend technology applications that are most <br /> likely to bring added value to municipal problem solving in these areas: <br /> a. Crime reduction applications: neighborhood cameras&worn body cameras <br /> b. Artificial Intelligence deployed information-gathering mechanisms that can <br /> connect with traditional and non-traditional communication platforms to <br /> receive and disperse more and better communication to/from citizens. <br /> c. Development of a"Decatur App"to direct citizens and visitors to special <br /> events,available downtown parking spaces,and other services (including <br /> visitor and guest services) and transaction portals. <br /> d. Deploy existing and expanded broadband fiber to commercial and for- <br /> profit users—not just government and non-profits—and make certain that <br /> broadband also supports new wireless networks—especially those that can <br /> produce technology investments with less funding from the General Fund. <br /> e. With the growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles,consider the <br /> strategic placement of city-operate and private EV charging stations in the <br /> city using Federal funds allocated specifically for this purpose. <br /> f. Investigate and implement other new technologies designed to increase <br /> citizen engagement,and streamline interactions between residents and City <br /> officials,to connect with underreached population segments. <br /> Page 6 <br />