BOSTON—Boston is ranked the No. 1 as the most digital city in the United States, according to an annual list. Boston was followed by Louisville, Ky., in second place, and Aurora, Colo., in third. The cities were ranked by the Center for Digital Government, which compiles an annual list of the top 10 most digital cities in the United States.
The list, which has been coming out every year for the past 10 years, ranks cities according to their ability to incorporate information technology into city operations to improve life for their constituents.
“This year’s winners continue to demonstrate the transformative power of information technology,” said Todd Sander, Digital Communities director in a statement on this year’s list. “Economic conditions are bringing about a fundamental rethinking of local government structures and support strategies. It is clear from the results that digital technology is a critical factor in helping organizations not only maintain, but actually improve service delivery when faced with fewer employees and smaller budgets.”
Boston, this year’s winner, also won the award for best government website in the nation in September.
The list, which has been coming out every year for the past 10 years, ranks cities according to their ability to incorporate information technology into city operations to improve life for their constituents.
“This year’s winners continue to demonstrate the transformative power of information technology,” said Todd Sander, Digital Communities director in a statement on this year’s list. “Economic conditions are bringing about a fundamental rethinking of local government structures and support strategies. It is clear from the results that digital technology is a critical factor in helping organizations not only maintain, but actually improve service delivery when faced with fewer employees and smaller budgets.”
Boston, this year’s winner, also won the award for best government website in the nation in September.
The Center for Digital Government recognized Boston for its commitment to closing gaps in unequal access and use of Internet in underserved communities, say Boston city officials.
One program, which experts at the Harvard Family Research Project say has been effective in bridging the digital divide, is Boston’s Technology Goes Home program. The program, available only to underserved families who don’t own a computer at home, provides computer training in Internet and mail use, troubleshooting, and word processing. Upon graduating from the course, participants have the choice of buying a computer for their home at a discounted price, with loan options available.
Of the 1,400 families that have graduated from the program, 35 percent of the adults report having their job status improved and 90 percent of children report doing better in school, according to an article published in “The Evaluation Exchange,” a Harvard University periodical.
The Center for Digital Government also praises Boston for its effective use of information technology in enhancing public safety, reducing environmental impact, and making government information more accessible to city constituents.
Boston is currently piloting LED streetlight technology, which are 90 percent more energy efficient than the city’s current technology. The public response has been popular and city officials in the Department of Innovation and Technology say they are “poised to move on citywide LED streetlight implementation.”
“I am proud of the way that we are using technology to make government more accessible to Boston’s residents, businesses, and visitors,” stated Mayor Menino in a press release about the honor. “This recognition is an honor for the Department of Innovation and Technology and the entire city of Boston.”
One program, which experts at the Harvard Family Research Project say has been effective in bridging the digital divide, is Boston’s Technology Goes Home program. The program, available only to underserved families who don’t own a computer at home, provides computer training in Internet and mail use, troubleshooting, and word processing. Upon graduating from the course, participants have the choice of buying a computer for their home at a discounted price, with loan options available.
Of the 1,400 families that have graduated from the program, 35 percent of the adults report having their job status improved and 90 percent of children report doing better in school, according to an article published in “The Evaluation Exchange,” a Harvard University periodical.
The Center for Digital Government also praises Boston for its effective use of information technology in enhancing public safety, reducing environmental impact, and making government information more accessible to city constituents.
Boston is currently piloting LED streetlight technology, which are 90 percent more energy efficient than the city’s current technology. The public response has been popular and city officials in the Department of Innovation and Technology say they are “poised to move on citywide LED streetlight implementation.”
“I am proud of the way that we are using technology to make government more accessible to Boston’s residents, businesses, and visitors,” stated Mayor Menino in a press release about the honor. “This recognition is an honor for the Department of Innovation and Technology and the entire city of Boston.”
