IT Business is reporting that the City of Mississauga has approved a new information technology master plan [pdf, 770 KB]. According to the Plan, “The IT Master Plan is a well-informed vision for the adoption of technology that will enable the transformation of the City of Mississauga into an engaged and connected City.”
The Plan is built around four key strategies to provide focus for action plans over the next three to five years, as summarized in the article:
- Foster open and accessible government. Use technology to enable easy and convenient access to services and information, host an Open Data hackathon in 2016, implement the digital strategy and increase mobile accessibility.
- Enable decisions through research and analytics. Develop a Big Data framework that enables analytics, dashboards and data visualizations providing timely and relevant management information.
- Create a connected and engaged workplace. Connect services and collect information through sensors and connected devices by implementing Smart City initiatives that will allow the city to better manage services with visibility on how they are performing and the ability to affect changes on services in real time.
- Improve services through innovation and partnerships. Provide opportunity and access to technology in the community that spark innovation and partnerships to provide and enhance services.
It is worth taking a look at the work that has been done by Mississauga to set out some ambitious plans. There are a half dozen concrete actions already set out for 2016, as well as other initiatives to improve the delivery of services to the community.
The mere existence of an IT Master Plan makes a statement about the City of Mississauga. What can other municipalities and all levels of government learn?