Four Tidewater Virginia cities were included in the Center for Digital Government (CDG) 2017 Digital Cities Survey. The annual survey recognizes leading examples of cities using technology to improve citizen services, enhance transparency and encourage citizen engagement.
Williamsburg placed 5th in the United States of populations less than 75,000. Williamsburg, with a population of approximately 15,200, made the top ten in its population category for the fifth consecutive year.
“Our inclusion on this prestigious list for the fifth year in a row is a testament to a supportive City Council, citizenry and an engaged staff,” says Mark Barham, Williamsburg’s Director of Information Technology.
Norfolk placed third among cities with a population of 125,000-249,999.
“Winning a top three Digital Cities designation is especially gratifying since we are only in our second year of executing a new IT strategic plan to support the City’s strategic priorities.” said Steven DeBerry, Norfolk’s Chief Information Officer.
Hampton placed tenth among cities with a population of 125,000-249,999. Hampton has made the Top Ten list 16 times.
Virginia Beach took top honors for cities in the United States of with populations of 250,000-499,999. This marks the second year in a row that the city has placed first in the Digital Cities Survey.
“We are truly honored to receive this first-place win again,” said Virginia Beach Chief Information Officer Peter Wallace.
Other Virginia cities in the survey included Alexandria, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Salem.
This 2017 survey focused on collaboration among cities, counties and regions with targeted questions on the initiatives cities were proudest of in the areas of citizen engagement, policy, operations, and technology and data.
Many factors play into the judging process, including an increased focus on open government/transparency/open data and access to information.
Ten finalists were chosen in five separate population categories. For a complete list of winners, visit the Digital Communities website.