2009/2010 Public Technology Institute awards recognize Town of North Kingstown as a national technology pioneer/leader for third consecutive year.
North Kingstown, R.I. - March 19, 2010 - The Town of North Kingstown today announces it has received a 2009-2010 Technology Solutions Award for "Web & E-Government Services" from the Public Technology Institute (PTI). According to PTI, a non-profit organization providing technology resources to local governments, the awards recognize "PTI member local governments that have innovated with technology to improve service delivery, increase performance and reduce operating costs or create new revenue opportunities."
The PTI awards specifically recognize North Kingstown for Serving the Community by Streamlining the Permitting Process. An FBGov permitting solution features online permit applications, complaint reporting and status tracking. Town staff has access to permit approval and investigation information, allowing for quicker case response and resolution as well as the ability to track trends through comprehensive analytical reports. North Kingstown was the first in RI to implement a solution of this breadth.
North Kingstown additionally received a mention of Significant Achievement in the category of "Telecommunications & IT" for its work in creating Government Efficiency Through IT Shared Services and Consolidation. North Kingstown consolidated all of its municipal IT and Telecommunications infrastructure and management under a single centralized IT governance model. It then began working with neighboring municipalities to share IT services and support, resulting in improved IT services and cost savings. North Kingstown was again the first in RI to pursue this approach. "The gains accomplished with each of these initiatives are unquestionable," said Jason Albuquerque, Director of Information Technology for the Town of North Kingstown." In the months since North Kingstown instituted its online permitting and complaint tracking management system, the municipality has significantly improved the relationship with its citizens and businesses by providing an improved communication vehicle for permitting and code enforcement as well as providing transparency into permitting status and complaint tracking resolutions." On the Town's IT and government efficiency recognition, Jason notes: "Our shared services and consolidation initiatives, internally in the North Kingstown municipal organization and in partnership with the Town of Exeter, have not only enhanced the IT services to the organizations and constituents, but also pioneered the collaborative efforts between local governments in RI, to promote the benefits of consolidation / shared services and the significant cost savings that get passed on to the taxpayer."
"I congratulate all the winners from this year's competition," said PTI Executive Director Alan Shark. "PTI member governments continue to be at the forefront when it comes to deploying technology at the local level. As government services come under increasing scrutiny during these difficult budget times, cities and counties must continue to invest in sound technology tools and practices. In the entries that PTI received I think you will see where those investments definitely paid off."
This is the third consecutive year the Town of North Kingstown has been recognized for technology leadership by PTI. In 2008-2009, it received awards for Unified Communications and Interoperability in Public Safety as well as Government Transparency Through Accountability. In 2007-2008 PTI recognized North Kingstown for Providing a Streamlined and Open Government. In receiving this year's award, North Kingstown ranks in the same categories with prominent cities including Boston, New York City and San Diego.
Winners will accept their awards at the 2010 PTI Technology Solutions and Innovations Conference on March 24-25 in Washington, DC. For a full listing of awardees, winning solution abstracts and more information, visit: www.pti.org/index.php/ptiee1/more/601/#NRG
About PTI: Public Technology Institute is a national, non-profit research and development organization established by and for city and county governments. PTI promotes innovation and collaboration by thought leaders in government, and advances the use of technology to improve the management and delivery of services to the citizen. For more information, visit www.pti.org.
About the Town of North Kingstown: Established in 1641 and incorporated in 1674, North Kingstown is best known as Rhode Island's sea town. North Kingstown's contributions are as historically significant as they are unique, including: natural harbors and beaches, summer resorts, Smith's Castle, the birthplace of Gilbert Stuart, Rolling Rock and Queens Fort, and an impressive collection of original colonial churches and houses. Prosperity in industries such as textiles, farming, fishing and boat building as well as the major naval installations of Quonset Point and Davisville have also played a significant role in the history and economic growth of the Town. Today, North Kingstown is home to over 26,700 residents and stands in the vanguard of a trend that is marking the future of Rhode Island's economic stability and industrial growth. For more information about North Kingstown, visit www.northkingstown.org
Contacts: Giselle LaFrance Manager of Media Relations Atrion Networking Corporation (401) 829-8321 glafrance@atrion.net
Jason Albuquerque Director of Information Technology Town of North Kingstown Department of Information Systems (401) 268-1516 jalbuquerque@northkingstown.org