Key Items to Consider for Your Municipality’s Next Technology Rollout

On There’s More to IT, host Jason Claybrook and guests will explore some foundational questions about the technology that’s driving us all forward.

Why do we build the stuff we build? What’s behind the scenes? Where are we falling short or putting revenue first?

The days of post-trade show drinks and conversation are far from over. In fact, they live right here on There’s More to IT.

The function of a city government has the most direct influence on residents and how that municipality manages budgets, revenue streams, and technology matters. To offer insights on how such a body functions, There’s More to It host Jason Claybrook conversed with Greg Giessner, City Councilman, and Steve Dye, Deputy City Manager, as well as co-hosts Simon Lok and Reid Estreicher. They both serve Grand Prairie, a city in the greater DFW area and home to around 200,000 citizens.

First, Giessner explained the upcoming bond vote. “It’s an economic development tool we’ve never had before. It would allow us to issue bonds for development projects for hotels, a conference center, restaurants, and revitalize downtown. It allows us to be competitive.”

“We’re a city that operates more like a business, and we’re always looking to generate revenue streams outside of property tax” -Greg Giessner

It’s an economic development tool we’ve never had before. It would allow us to issue bonds for development projects for hotels, a conference center, restaurants, and revitalize downtown. It allows us to be competitive.”

Dye also spoke about the power of technology in driving a city forward. It’s been a critical tool for law enforcement. “It improved efficiency and responsiveness but also offered savings. The immediate data entry is one key thing. We’re working smarter with technology because you can’t always throw people at the problem.”

The other aspect of technology is access. Dye noted the city is exploring options with the school districts about providing broadband for underserved communities. The pandemic and pivot to remote schooling were the catalysts for these considerations. “Connectivity is necessary for basic functions.”

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