In a new Digital Cities Survey, Wichita tied for 4th for its efforts in using technology to improve service.
The city was recognized for:
The Information Technology Department’s work with two Wichita State University students to develop a citizen reporting app, Wichita Report, a 311-style tool. A partnership with the local Code for America brigade to come up with a strategic open data program designed to create apps. A new snowplow tracking site which helps residents navigate streets by tracking and mapping the paths of snow-clearing vehicles. Other improvements to receive recognition include a streamlined e-citation system for law enforcement, and high-speed fiber that runs through the city’s storm sewer system. The connectivity boost will help Wichita effectively transmit police body-camera video to its cloud provider that will store the footage from field officers’ cameras.
Kansas City beat out Wichita by one place. In the small city category, Shawnee, Kansas, placed first, in part for their new community portal and a mobile app that helps neighborhoods self-organize around critical issues.
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