NE Valley Times

Scottsdale has once again been recognized as a leader in digital innovation, securing the top position in the Center for Digital Government's annual Digital Cities Survey. The city ranked first among municipalities with populations between 125,000 and 249,999 for the second consecutive year.

The survey highlights cities that effectively use technology to improve citizen services, privacy rights, transparency, and cybersecurity. Scottsdale is notable as the only city in Arizona to achieve a number one ranking in any category.

"Scottsdale's commitment to fostering innovation is at the heart of our success," stated Bianca Lochner, Scottsdale’s chief information officer. She emphasized the city's achievements over the past year, particularly highlighting the expansion of AI governance and low-code platforms. "Implementing a cutting-edge AI governance platform has empowered our teams to innovate with AI while ensuring ethical, transparent and compliant usage across all city systems."

The Center for Digital Government attributed Scottsdale's retention of its top spot to its leadership in digital transformation and several key initiatives. These include:

- The implementation of a new AI platform that monitors city systems for AI usage, surveys employees and vendors on their AI practices, and aligns identified risks with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI Risk Management Framework.

- Participation in a pilot program using Amazon Connect from Amazon Web Services in its citizen services call center.

- Launching a comprehensive data strategy aimed at improving data collection, integration, and analysis.

- Investing in public safety through a new real-time crime center.

- Introducing new resident engagement platforms such as Speak Up Scottsdale.

- Launching a new city website designed to enhance user experience with mobile responsiveness, improved search functionality, topic-oriented organization, an intent-based user interface, and better accessibility.

Further details can be found from the Center for Digital Government.