Local Government Associations Team Up Around Technology
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National League of Cities, National Association of Counties and Public Technology Institute are not only co-locating, but sharing resources and ideas around technology.
WASHINGTON — The National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, and Public Technology Institute announced a partnership that will bring the three organizations under the same roof and amplify their collaboration around technology research and programs.
Public Technology Institute focuses on the interplay of technology with local governments, providing local technology leaders with research and education opportunities. PTI will receive new administrative and organizational support, and in turn PTI will help the organizations develop resources for city and county governments. Under the agreement, PTI will move across the river from Virginia to join the two organizations in their new building near Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties explained that the partnership will allow for a “sustained network of c-suite decisionmakers” to build a conversation around technology and its importance to local governments. “Given the technology opportunities and challenges facing county government—from big data and data-driven decision-making to cybersecurity and digital communications—we’re confident that working with PTI will help position America’s counties to build healthier, safer and smarter communities.”
“PTI has provided city governments with technology solutions that address local challenges and help them better serve their residents,” said Clarence E. Anthony, NLC’s CEO and executive director. “Since 1971 when PTI was founded—it was all about the concept of ‘we need to make sure local government officials… can use technology to improve services and operations.’”
In announcing the partnership, the executive director and CEO of Public Technology Institute, Dr. Alan Shark said: “I’ve been with PTI for 12 years and this is my second most exciting day; the day I was hired was the first.” Shark went on to explain, “A lot of CIOs have felt they are the lone ranger,” and he believes the new partnership will be “an accelerated bridge to improved communications” with key decision-makers and elected officials.
Mitch Herckis is Senior Program Director at Government Executive’s Route Fifty and is based in Washington, D.C.
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