News Flash

NEWS RELEASE
Information Systems
Nov. 15, 2019

For the 18th year in a row Winston-Salem has been ranked as one of the top 10 most technology-savvy cities of its size in America by the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute.

Winston-Salem ranked sixth in the center's 2019 Digital Cities Survey of cities with a population of 125,000 to 249,999. The annual study ranks the use of information technology by local governments.

The 2019 survey ranked cities for their use of digital technology to make their communities "more secure, user-friendly, efficient and resilient," said Teri Takai, the center’s executive director. "Their efforts are making technology a driver of better, smarter, more responsive government."

The center honored the city for implementing new software that uses GIS data for the city’s code enforcement personnel; for new 311 call center technology that provides a more streamlined experience for users; for the city’s new website, and for the city’s continued focus on cybersecurity, including mandatory cybersecurity awareness training for all new hires and the formation of an "enterprise cybersecurity team" within the Information Systems Department.

Tom Kureczka, the city’s chief information officer, said the city’s top 10 rankings for 18 years running affirms the city success in maintaining existing services while investing in next-generation systems and technology.

"The I.S. staff has worked hard at providing new and improved services to our citizens, while not compromising our continued focus on cybersecurity requirements,” Kureczka said. “Our goals included providing the public a new door into City Hall -- a virtual door --  and increased openness and transparency,  while continuing to ensure our community that we are protecting their information and privacy."

Winston-Salem is the only city in its category to be ranked in the top 10 every year since 2002, the first year the city participated. This includes a first-place ranking in 2014 and second-place rankings in 2003, 2008, 2011 and 2017.