Mayor's Office

I am proud to announce that the City of Madison placed 8th in the 250,000 – 499,999 population category of this year’s Digital Cities Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government. Last recognized as a Digital City in 2019, the Center for Digital Government applauded Madison for our growth in embracing technology to progress the following digital projects and initiatives:

• Implementing software to distribute American Rescue Plan Act funds for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Moving to a virtual model for public meetings, increasing resident participation and civic engagement.
• Allowing residents to register their positions on legislative matters online (a system that has been used approximately 34,000 times since April 2020).
• Establishing the governance policies and guidelines for the Results Madison initiative, a data-driven, outcome-based budgeting system, expected to roll out in 2022.
• Receiving the What Works Cities 2021 silver certification for developing a strong data foundation while working toward equity goals.
• Reviewing information and data regarding police calls for mental health services to develop a program called CARES, in which Madison Fire Department paramedics will collaborate with Journey Mental Health employees to respond to mental health-related calls. This program will target mental health assistance where needed, and provide a more efficient service.
• Receiving a grant to participate in the National League of Cities Capstone Challenge Project to build new, automated workflows for residents to access city services.
• Receiving the 2021 Transportation Systems Management & Operations Council Organization Award, presented by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). This award recognizes Madison for leveraging digital systems and strategies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of surface transportation facilities, including a low-cost Physical and Virtual Traffic Management Center, enhanced fiber network communication, traffic condition monitoring, asset management, Advanced Traffic Signal Management software, and Traveler Information to provide residents with real-time incident updates.

These projects and initiatives have been ongoing partnerships between many City agencies, policymakers, and Madison residents. Technology provided a critical connection between local government and residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while furthering our digital inclusion goals. We have made great strides in addressing the digital divide in Madison, increasing resident engagement, and connecting residents with City services online in the past two years. Our city is in the middle of a digital transformation, and I am excited to continue this journey with #TeamCity.