Mayors, chief information officers and city managers at over 300 of the nation's cities were invited to participate. Officials responded to a set of 22 questions. The survey grouped cities into four categories based on population: 250,000 or greater, 125,000-249,999, 75,000-124,999, and 30,000-74,999. Survey questions focused on implementation and adoption of online service delivery; planning and governance; and the infrastructure and architecture that make the transformation to digital government possible.
"This survey showcases a significant increase in cities' utilization of both wireless and broadband infrastructure," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center. "This survey also continues to showcase the level of commitment by local officials to view technology as a key element in delivering vital citizen services. We are pleased to honor our nation's cutting-edge cities with the 2005 Digital Cities Survey award."
City officials in Corpus Christi say its jump from tenth place in 2004 to first place this year is a reflection of the hard work by the city's entire organization to make the city a better place with the support of technology. City Manager George K. (Skip) Noe said "Maximizing the use of today's technology is one of the primary ways local governments can significantly enhance customer service, economic development, and operational efficiencies. As we are continuously focused on the expansion of online services, availability of our wireless network, and technology partnerships, we feel privileged to receive a first place designation in the 2005 Digital Cities Survey."
Madison jumped from fourth place in 2004 to first place this year. "This national recognition reflects the innovative efforts Madison is constantly making to provide better service through technology," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "In the past year alone, we have added a comprehensive Web site enabling citizens to report online issues such as potholes and graffiti. We have also introduced an online city hall application connecting citizens with vital information about city government meetings, proposed legislation and other information. Next year promises even more improvements, including a new enterprise permitting system that will make doing business with Madison easier than ever."
Cieslewicz praised the work of city staff in developing Madison's award-winning online presence, especially the late Mike Simle, who led those efforts for many years. Simle, who was the City's first and only Webmaster since the site was created in 1995, passed away this last October at age 46.
Roanoke is a four-time first-place winner of the Digital Cities Survey. "This truly is a great honor for Roanoke and it reaffirms our goals to continue to implement new technology in all parts of the city," said Mayor C. Nelson Harris. "Our administration continues to find new ways to use technology to provide services to our citizens, and Roanoke is dedicated to being a center of technology for the entire region.
"In addition to our award-winning Web site, we are finding out how to better serve the public and our own employees with new applications such as the Community Portal, the eChecks on-line billing system, expansion of the downtown Wi-Fi zone and much more. I congratulate the staff of the (Roanoke) Department of Technology on their continued impressive accomplishments."
With a population of approximately 63,000 and in the aftermath of Katrina, Delray Beach, Florida was focused on disaster recovery and preparedness; the city commission was keenly interested in the use of technology to provide citizens with information and services -- efficiently and effectively.
"We are honored that the City of Delray Beach has received the top ranking in its category and we would like to express our appreciation to our City Manager, City Commission, and citizens for their continued input and support of the IT Division that have resulted in significantly improved technological services," said Guy Buzzelli, Chief Information Officer.
The Center is proud to honor and acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of our nation's top digital city governments. Congratulations to all of them!
2005 Digital Cities Survey Winners:
250,000 or more population:1st Place: City of Corpus Christi, Texas
2nd Place: City of Tampa, Fla.
3rd Place: City of Los Angeles, Calif.
4th Place: City of Aurora, Colo. (tie)
4th Place: City of Tucson, Ariz. (tie)
5th Place: City of Chicago, Ill.
6th Place: City of Saint Paul, Minn.
7th Place: City of Wichita, Kan.
8th Place: City of Nashville, Tenn.
9th Place: City of Colorado Springs, Colo. (tie)
9th Place: City of Virginia Beach, Va. (tie)
10th Place: City of Mesa, Ariz.
125,000-249,999 population:
1st Place: City of Madison, Wisc.
2nd Place: City of Richmond, Va.
3rd Place: City of Winston-Salem, N.C.
4th Place: City of Alexandria, Va. (tie)
4th Place: City of Lincoln, Neb. (tie)
5th Place: City of Des Moines, Iowa
6th Place: City of Irving, Texas
7th Place: City of Hampton, Va.
8th Place: City of Naperville, Ill.
9th Place: City of Torrance, Calif.
10th Place: Salt Lake City, Utah
75,000-124,999 population:
1st Place: City of Roanoke, Va.
2nd Place: City of Denton, Texas
3rd Place: Ogden City, Utah
4th Place: City of Independence, Mo.
5th Place: City of Richardson, Texas
6th Place: City of Westminster, Colo.
7th Place: City of Olathe, Kan.
8th Place: City of West Palm Beach, Fla.
9th Place: City of Fort Collins, Colo. (tie)
9th Place: City of Arvada, Colo. (tie)
10th Place: Village of Schaumburg, Ill.
30,000-74,999 population:
1st Place: City of Delray Beach, Fla.
2nd Place: Town of Blacksburg, Va.
3rd Place: City of Manchester, Conn. (tie)
3rd Place: City of Charlottesville, Va. (tie)
4th Place: City of Lenexa, Kan.
5th Place: Town of Flower Mound, Texas
6th Place: City of Lynchburg, Va.
7th Place: Village of Wellington, Fla.
8th Place: City of Jupiter, Fla.
9th Place: City of Medford, Ore.
10th Place: City of Alameda, Calif.
