On November 14, Sacramento County, partnering with the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, presented the annual State of Sacramento County luncheon at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. The discussion was led by a panel of regional business and community leaders with the theme of technology and innovation in county government.
Serving as an economic center for the six-county region, Sacramento County plays an important role in the region’s overall success and prosperity andthis forum on innovation and technology highlighted how they intersect with local government. The forum’s panelist included Meg Arnold of GSD Consulting, Tom Kandris of PackageOne, Inc., Cathilea Robinett of e.Republic, Ash Roughani of Public Innovation, Rami Zakaria of Sacramento County and Jason Shoultz of KVIE.
Sacramento County CIO Rami Zakaria said, “This is an exciting forum to show our peers and the public our commitment to providing great service while using technology to make that service more effective and efficient. From our newly launched responsive-designed portal to our open data portal, and the more than 50 online services, we are determined to provide the public a technologically advanced experience when handling business with the County.”
These panelists defined innovation and technology as it relates to local government, and where local government is leading the way in innovation and IT. The subject of open data was discussed and it’s untapped possibilities, as well as how other county departments outside of just the IT department are thinking about, and using, technology in innovative ways. Local government leaders are showing their support of the innovation communities that are popping up in our region and the ideas from around California and the U.S. that are being applied here.
A prime example of using technology to streamline the customer experience is the SacCounty 311 Connect that handles citizen service requests online, by mobile app or by phone. Since the beginning of the year, the call center has handled nearly 100,000 calls.
From business to health and human services to environmental management to the Sacramento International Airport, technology is used to automate, streamline, and reduce costs:
For businesses, the County has streamlined its online services for business license applications and building permits, as well as accessing building inspections online.
There is now a workflow program that allows any caseworker to handle a call from any client needing assistance with MediCal or CalFresh – eliminating long wait times.
The public can access an app or web page to view the latest restaurant inspection filtered to the surrounding location.
The County airport that serves the region was the first in the nation to implement a Shared Aviation System, which allows airlines to share gates and ticket counters and quickly switch locations if necessary – saving resources, space, time and money.
The Office of Emergency Services partnered with regional counties to launch a state-of-the-art emergency alert system known as Sacramento Alert which allows residents to sign up for emergency information through a variety of communication methods.
The region’s interoperable public safety radio system managed by Sacramento County has more than 12,000 radios and supports all local law enforcements agencies.
Sacramento County Supervisor and Chairman Phil Serna said, “These programs are just a small sample of the County’s innovation and technology initiatives. There is more to come as we implement the 2014-2015 Information and Technology Plan, which aims to: Expand electronic access to County services, enhance the County’s IT Infrastructure and Manage Internal IT services from a County Wide perspective. Our goal is to continue to be a local government leader in innovation and technology.”
A video – Sacramento County by the Numbers 2014 – was shown at the event and features the many accomplishments of Sacramento County over the year.
James Beckwith, president and CEO Five Star Bank and Metro Chamber Board of Directors chair said, “Sacramento County is leading the way in innovation and integrating technology into the services they provide for residents.”
More than 300 people attended the sold-out event and included a special tribute to retiring Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmy Yee, as well as an acknowledgment of the County’s IT awards.
