Local governments are responsible for providing essential services to their communities, from maintaining roads and parks to managing public safety and utilities. In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in how these services are delivered and managed. However, many local governments struggle with implementing and maintaining effective technology solutions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common pitfalls that local governments face when it comes to technology and how to avoid them.
The Importance of Digital Infrastructure
Before we dive into the pitfalls, it’s essential to understand the importance of digital infrastructure for local governments. Digital infrastructure refers to the technology and systems that support the delivery of services and information to the community. This includes hardware, software, networks, and data management systems.
Having a robust digital infrastructure is crucial for local governments to operate efficiently and effectively. It allows for better communication and collaboration between departments, streamlines processes, and improves the delivery of services to the community. Without a solid digital infrastructure, local governments may struggle to keep up with the demands of their communities and fall behind in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Pitfall #1: Lack of Funding
One of the most significant challenges for local governments when it comes to technology is funding. Many local governments operate on tight budgets, and technology investments may not be a top priority. However, investing in technology can save money in the long run by increasing efficiency and reducing manual processes.
To avoid this pitfall, local governments should prioritize technology investments and seek out grants and funding opportunities specifically for digital infrastructure. They can also partner with neighboring governments to share the cost of technology solutions and leverage economies of scale.
Pitfall #2: Resistance to Change
Another common pitfall for local governments is resistance to change. Many employees may be comfortable with the current systems and processes and may be hesitant to adopt new technology. This can lead to a lack of adoption and utilization of new systems, rendering them ineffective.
Reluctance to change may also prohibit updating operating systems or implementing other security controls, like multifactor authentication, that are desperately needed to secure your organization. Additional security may also be state mandated, such as cyber awareness, and needed for compliance purposes.
To overcome this challenge, local governments should involve employees in the decision-making process and provide proper training and support for new technology solutions. It’s also essential to communicate the benefits of the new technology and how it will improve their work processes.
Pitfall #3: Lack of Integration
Local governments often have multiple systems and software in place to manage different aspects of their operations. However, these systems may not be integrated, leading to data silos and inefficiencies. For example, the finance department may use one system to manage budgets, while the public works department uses a different system to track maintenance requests.
To avoid this pitfall, local governments should invest in technology solutions that can integrate with existing systems or consider implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that can manage multiple functions in one platform. Systems similar to Tyler Technologies have benefited some organizations as a central platform.
Pitfall #4: Cybersecurity Threats
With the increasing reliance on technology, local governments are also vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Hackers may target local governments to access sensitive information or disrupt services, causing significant damage and financial loss.
To mitigate this risk, local governments should invest in robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, encryption, policies and regular security audits. They should also provide training for employees on how to identify and prevent cyber attacks.
Pitfall #5: Lack of Tech Expertise
Many local governments do not have dedicated IT departments or staff with extensive technology expertise required for such robust infrastructure, or overworked for the amount of devices supported. This can make it challenging to implement and maintain technology solutions effectively.
To address this issue, local governments can partner with IT consulting firms or hire dedicated IT staff to manage aspects of their technology needs. They can also provide training and professional development opportunities for existing employees to improve their technology skills. Co-Managed IT Services supplement and train staff more efficiently than internal hiring and training.
Pitfall #6: Limited Access to High-Speed Internet
Access to high-speed internet is crucial for local governments to operate efficiently and provide services to their communities. However, many rural areas may not have access to high-speed internet, making it challenging to implement technology solutions that require a reliable internet connection.
To overcome this challenge, local governments can partner with internet service providers to expand access to high-speed internet in their communities. They can also explore alternative solutions ensuring redundant connections or cloud solutions to decrease local speed requirements.
Pitfall #7: Lack of Data Management Strategy
Local governments collect a vast amount of data, from resident information to public works data. However, without a proper data management strategy, this data may not be utilized effectively and insecurely.
To avoid this pitfall, local governments should invest in data management systems and develop a data management strategy. This includes identifying what data is collected, how it is stored and accessed, how it can be used to improve services and decision-making, how long they should retain the data, and policies/ procedures in the event the data is compromised.
Pitfall #8: Inadequate Disaster Recovery Plan
Natural disasters, cyber attacks, and other unforeseen events can disrupt local government operations and cause significant damage. Without a proper disaster recovery plan, local governments may struggle to recover and resume services quickly, efficiently, or at all.
To mitigate this risk, local governments should develop a disaster recovery plan that outlines procedures for data backup, system recovery, and communication with employees and the community during a crisis.
Conclusion
Technology plays a crucial role in how local governments operate and deliver services to their communities. However, many local governments face challenges when it comes to implementing and maintaining effective technology solutions. By understanding and addressing these pitfalls, local governments can leverage technology to improve efficiency, communication, and service delivery for their communities.
Consulting with a third party resource for technology audits can also assist local governments in identifying pitfalls (risk) while creating a comprehensive plan to remediate them (risk). Sometimes you don’t know, what you don’t know.
