NORFOLK, VA – For seven consecutive years, the City of Norfolk has placed in the top 10 cities of its size in the Center for Digital Government’s (CDG) annual Digital Cities Survey.
The 22nd annual survey recognizes cities utilizing technology to strengthen cybersecurity, enhance transparency and digital equity, plan for the future of work and more.
“Constituents expect more from modern governments. Our Digital Cities survey winners have worked hard to keep the focus on the needs of the communities they serve while implementing technology to improve delivery and execution,” said CDG Vice President Brian Cohen. “We congratulate them for leading the way towards a smarter and more responsive government.”
Norfolk placed seventh among cities with populations between 125,000 and 249,999, ahead of Hampton, VA, but just behind Tallahassee, FL.
Digital Cities’ summary of Norfolk’s achievements is included on its website for the award announcements. The City’s ranking included its focus on expansion of information transparency in government, increasing constituent safety, closing the digital divide, increasing access to city services and strengthening communication with residents.
Additional initiatives contributing to Norfolk’s ranking:
- Investment of $6 million as part of a Southside Network Authority-led project to close the digital divide locally by developing a 110-mile regional fiber ring connecting Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Suffolk.
- Collaboration with the local school district to create 82 public Wi-Fi locations called ConnectNorfolk, in addition to dedicating more of its budget to Wi-Fi-related projects and maintenance.
- Expansion of the Open Data Portal with more than 50 data sets, stories and charts for residents seeking data-based information along with automating data extraction to keep the City’s public records and figures up to date.
The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.