| Phoenix Named a 2022 Digital Cities Survey Winner | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/2565 | Information Technology Services | | 11/16/2022 5:10:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2565/Newsroom_CityView_05.jpg | | Phoenix Named a 2022 Digital Cities Survey Winner | <div class="ExternalClassF723154B54494D258DC74B7FE2004661"><html>
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<p>The Center for Digital Government (CDG) has named the City of Phoenix a 2022 Digital Cities Survey Winner for the '500,000 or More Population Category'. Since 2015, Phoenix has annually been ranked in the top ten. The 22nd annual Digital Cities Survey strives to recognize cities utilizing technology to strengthen cybersecurity, enhance transparency and digital equity, and more.</p>
<p><img alt="Digital Survey Winner" src="/newssite/PublishingImages/CDG21%20DigCities%20Survey%20Winner_3_RGB.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:133px;float:right;" />“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.”<br></p>
<p>Over the last year, Phoenix launched the new City Manager's Performance Dashboard (CMPR). This online tool provides the public with comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about the many services and programs offered by the City of Phoenix. The redesign includes more than 130 key performance indicators that measure the city's health and identifies potential areas for improvement allowing the city to make more informed decisions. Access the dashboard on the <a href="https://Phoenix.gov/CityManager" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/CityManager</a> page.</p>
<p>In addition, Phoenix worked to enhance digital tools to help residents access city services. The myPHX311 app (<a href="https://Phoenix.gov/App" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/App</a>) and website portal allows residents to access many city services directly on their phone. Furthermore, Phoenix continues to make updates to the Open Data portal (<a href="https://phoenixopendata.com/" target="_blank">PhoenixOpenData.com</a>) which promotes transparency in government and accountability to residents by providing important datasets that can be viewed by everyone. Recent updates to map and geographic information system (GIS) online portals (<a href="https://Phoenix.gov/imap" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/imap</a>) allow the public to view street restrictions, city-owned properties for sale, and the Planning and Development Department's current and proposed zones, permit activities, and much more. </p>
<p>“The Information Technology Services (ITS) department is honored to accept this award on behalf of all City of Phoenix departments that work effortlessly to protect our digital city services and information while striving to achieve our city's strategic goals to enable and foster citizen engagement. Phoenix continues to prioritize the use of digital technologies to increase participation in public matters,” Phoenix Chief Information Officer Steen Hambric said. “With our recently approved Strategic Technology Plan 2022-2026, we look forward to leveraging emerging technologies to improve departmental planning and to further digital experiences that benefit Phoenix residents.”<br></p>
<p><strong>About the ITS Department:</strong> ITS provides technology support and services to the city's complex systems of networks and various technology needs of more than 14,000 employees. The department also manages the city's radio, telephone, and enterprise computer network systems. <br></p>
<p><strong>About the Center for Digital Government:</strong> The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. <br></p>
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| Phoenix Honored as Digital Cities Survey Winner 2021 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/2154 | Information Technology Services | | 11/30/2021 10:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2154/Newsroom_ITS_017.jpg | | Phoenix Honored as Digital Cities Survey Winner 2021 | <div class="ExternalClass549C05B014F4467AAD7F60F825F2583E"><html>
<div>The Center for Digital Government (CDG) has named the city of Phoenix a 2021 Digital Cities Survey Winner for the '500,000 or More Population Category'. The 21st annual Digital Cities Survey examines the overall technology programs and plans of the city. It focuses on cybersecurity, digitization of services, data transparency, and community engagement.</div><div><br></div><div>“Innovative cities are able to leverage data and harness new technology to enhance the services they provide," said CDG Vice President Phil Bertolini. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year's winners for putting technology to good use toward improving the lives of constituents and strengthening the relationships they have with their partners."</div><div><br></div><div>Over the last year, Phoenix continued to innovate and introduce offerings to city staff and residents as they navigated the pandemic. Most recently, it launched<a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/information-technology-services/2139"> a new service through an app called 'MyPHX311'</a> that allows residents to pay their city services bill, report quality-of-life issues, and request city services. Likewise, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), Phoenix also developed a virtual assistant chatbot prototype for its website, phoenix.gov, which supports English and Spanish queries as well as providing voice assistance for the visually impaired.</div><div><br></div><div>“There are so many exciting and necessary technological advances being made across the city during a time when we need the services more than ever. It really speaks to the fact that we continue to be recognized as a Digital Cities Survey Winner," Phoenix Chief Information Officer Steen Hambric said. “I look forward to furthering our mission of delivering secure, responsible, sustainable, and flexible IT services, solutions, and governance in 2022."</div><div><br></div><div>Phoenix was also awarded the <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/article/1991">"What Works City (WWC) – 2021 Gold Certification"</a> earlier this year achieving the national standard of excellence for well-managed, data-driven local government for its effort in becoming a data-centric-driven city. Its use of <a target="_blank" href="https://phoenixopendata.com/">Open Data</a> provides government transparency in the digital age ranging from Covid-related data sets to funding invested in the community and city operations. <br></div>
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| Hambric Named Phoenix Chief Information Officer | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/2135 | Information Technology Services | | 9/14/2021 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2135/Newsroom_ITS_016.jpg | | Hambric Named Phoenix Chief Information Officer | <div class="ExternalClass0E783A728D1143E1B7F3D23FE8C86C96"><html>
<div>Steen Hambric has officially been named Phoenix’s Chief Information Officer responsible for leading the city’s Information Technology Services (ITS) department and federated IT management services over Sky Harbor International Airport, Water Services, Phoenix Police, and Phoenix Fire. </div>
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<div>Hambric has over 33 years of IT experience at the federal and local levels, with 17 of those years spent in executive leadership. As a Phoenix IT leader since 2017, he championed many citywide projects including a multi-year, citywide telephone and network project upgrade and implemented several initiatives with COVID-related federal dollars to bring free Internet connectivity to residents throughout Phoenix. <br></div>
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<div>Hambric was appointed Acting Chief Information Officer on May 14, 2021. He took on the role during a critical time in which coordination and collaboration between city departments needed improvement, numerous high visibility projects were underway, multiple enterprise-class applications were in various stages of replacement, and Phoenix was strengthening its cybersecurity. In direct response, Hambric spent the last few months drafting the city's first Strategic Technology Plan in over a decade. Once finalized, the City will have a strategic guidepost from which the city's business and technology leaders and their staff can rally behind and prioritize financial and personnel resources as well as key initiatives.</div>
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<div>“I’m thrilled to continue leading such dedicated professionals as we deliver secure, responsible, and sustainable IT services, solutions, and governance for the city,” Hambric said. </div>
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<div>Before arriving in Phoenix, Hambric worked for the United States House of Representatives for 18 years in high-level information technology leadership positions where he developed and implemented IT strategic plans, led enterprise-class applications and web services, and oversaw the successful implementation of major technology projects. He also served for 11 years as a Combat Engineer Officer for the Army National Guard and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management Information Systems, from the University of Southern Mississippi. </div>
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| City of Phoenix Leader Wins 2021 Arizona CIO of the Year® Award | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/1872 | Information Technology Services | | 4/26/2021 2:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1872/Newsroom_ITS_015.jpg | | City of Phoenix Leader Wins 2021 Arizona CIO of the Year® Award | <div class="ExternalClass54C3233ED0D64668A211C243BC75864D"><html>
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<div>City of Phoenix Chief Information Officer (CIO) Matthew Arvay was recently named ArizonaCIO’s 2021 Arizona CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Award winner in the public sector category. The ORBIE Awards is the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States and honors chief information officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. </div>
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<div>“The ArizonaCIO ORBIE winners demonstrate the significance of strong technology leadership in these uncertain times. Over the past year, CIOs are leading in unprecedented ways and enabling the largest work-from-home experiment in history,” according to Lindsey Estep, Executive Director of ArizonaCIO. “The ORBIE Awards are meaningful because they are judged by peers - CIOs who understand how difficult this job is and why great leadership matters.”<br></div>
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<div>Arvay joined the city of Phoenix in January 2017, serving as CIO for the fifth largest city in the country. His responsibilities extend to IT management over Sky Harbor International Airport named #1 Best Large Airport by The Wall Street Journal, as well as the Phoenix Police and Phoenix Fire Departments, serving about two dozen suburbs in addition to Phoenix’s 1.7 million residents. Over the years, city leaders have supported his work toward amplifying Phoenix’s Information Technology value and offerings to ensure a technology perspective is present in key decisions at the city and regional level. <br></div>
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<div>“The technological challenges of keeping our city services up and running during COVID-19 were enormous. Leading our Smart Cities effort, Matt combined solid vision with exceptional work from his staff to meet the needs of those who live, work and play in Phoenix,” said Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher. “I congratulate Matt, and our entire IT team, on this important recognition of their effort.”<br></div>
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<div>Arvay credits his diligent team with creating new digital services and solutions as he drives the transformation towards a true smart and connected city. </div>
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<div>“Supporting 1.7 million residents, over 14 thousand employees, and modernizing government during a pandemic was challenging, but city technologists showed their resiliency and commitment to public service,” Arvay said. “I am proud of the enhanced government transparency and participation through virtual public meetings we achieved as a city. Our expansion of outdoor public Wi-Fi to 50 facilities, delivery of tablets with hotspots to students, and the launch of our upcoming 311-CRM all prove the power of digitization, automation, and connectivity.”</div>
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<div>More details about the 2021 CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Awards are available at <a href="https://www.arizonacio.org/awards" target="_blank">ArizonaCIO</a>. <br></div>
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| Phoenix Named a Top 10 Digital Cities Winner for Seventh Consecutive Year | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/1641 | Information Technology Services | | 12/1/2020 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1641/Newsroom_ITS_013.jpg | | Phoenix Named a Top 10 Digital Cities Winner for Seventh Consecutive Year | <div class="ExternalClass8939F1FB4EC04BFFBAD401277DBE6BD8"><html>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">The city of Phoenix has once again received national recognition as a Top 10 Digital Cities Survey winner among cities with populations of 500,000 or more. The 20th annual survey organized by <a href="https://www.govtech.com/dc/digital-cities/Digital-Cities-Survey-2020-Winners-Announced.html" target="_blank">The Center for Digital Government (CDG)</a> recognizes cities for using technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, strengthen cybersecurity and more. </span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">This year’s Digital Cities Survey also praises cities using technology to better serve citizens despite new challenges triggered by the pandemic. In fact, Phoenix responded by quickly digitizing government participation through virtual City Council and community meetings as well as rapidly moving thousands of city employees to a mobile workforce. The city also expanded its Wi-Fi coverage outside of nearly 50 libraries, community, senior, and recreation centers to ensure all students have internet access during school closures and hybrid learning.</span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“Covid-19 has exacerbated the need to bridge the digital divide. The City of Phoenix has acted swiftly and efficiently by<a href="/newsroom/information-technology-services/1551" target="_blank"> expanding Wi-Fi coverage</a> and providing thousands of tablets to students, families, and seniors,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Data and technology are a key component in everything we do. I am proud of the City of Phoenix for being a leader in these areas to best serve our residents.”</span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“During these trying times, technology permits residents to continue to work, keep their children in school and stay connected to loved ones,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee. “I’m very proud of our city and employees who have worked tirelessly to close the digital divide, specifically with the expansion of free Wi-Fi citywide.”</span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Phoenix’s advance use of analytics, digital inclusion and Covid-19 response secured its fourth-place ranking, moving up a spot from last year. The 2020 submission showcased the digital enhancements of the Phoenix Police Public Records request process which offers 10 online options ranging from incident reports to crime statistics. Furthering financial transparency, <a href="/newsroom/information-technology-services/1378" target="_blank">The Phoenix Checkbook</a> was relaunched this summer through the city’s online Open Data Portal to help the public understand where the city spends its dollars. And earlier this year, Phoenix was awarded the ‘<a href="https://medium.com/what-works-cities-certification/phoenix-is-ready-for-more-rapid-growth-286121eb6cea" target="_blank">What Works Cities – 2020 Silver Certification</a>’, the national standard of excellence for well-managed, data-driven local government. </span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“We have opened the door to a positive transparency shift in residents’ access to city services. Technology is enabling greater access and our goal is to maintain the fidelity of community engagement from a digital standpoint,” said City of Phoenix Chief Information Officer Matthew Arvay. </span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Phoenix is now focused on an initiative that will accelerate the digital transformation of the city’s 311 CRM infrastructure. The platform will provide multiple channels for submitting service requests and comments and will improve digital service delivery without the need for in-person interaction.</span>
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| City IT Project Manager Recognized During Innovative Commencement | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/1210 | Information Technology Services | | 5/8/2020 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1210/Newsroom_ITS-009.jpg | | City IT Project Manager Recognized During Innovative Commencement | <div class="ExternalClassFCDCC77A5E00481E8CACB9F5C1D42723"><html>
<div>As hard-working graduates across the country find unique ways to commemorate their academic success during this health emergency, one city of Phoenix employee will receive her diploma on stage and give an award acceptance speech using an avatar robot. </div><div><br>Juili Kale is the 2020 graduate student recipient of the Barton Kyle Yount Award from ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. The is the first time an online student has received this award for exceptional leadership since the online program was launched 15 years ago. </div><div><br>Several weeks ago, Kale received a congratulatory message from Thunderbird Dean Dr. Sanjeev Khagram with an invitation to accept the award and her master’s degree in global management during the school’s virtual convocation ceremony on Monday, May 11, using an avatar robot displaying her face. </div><div><br>“I knew I worked hard, but getting this award is an honor and I am in utter disbelief. It is slowly sinking in, as I am busy giving interviews to radio stations and news channels on the robotics and my award,” Kale said. </div><div><br>Kale joined the city’s Information Technology Services project management team a little over two years ago. She previously spent five and a half years in a project management role focused on technology initiatives and projects for aviation technology and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.</div><div><br>“We are so proud of Juili for receiving this top award from Thunderbird. She is a true professional, and it is clear she applied the same exceptional work ethic to her education as she does to her career,” City of Phoenix Chief Information Officer Matthew Arvay said. </div><div><br>Here are links to Kale’s interviews with media outlets:<br></div><div><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/05/08/arizona-state-management-school-holds-graduation-ceremony-via-robot.html">Arizona State management school holds graduation ceremony via robot</a> - CNBC<br></div><div><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-robot-graduation/robots-to-the-rescue-arizona-students-in-lockdown-will-still-get-their-graduation-day-idUSKBN22K18F">Robots to the rescue! Arizona students in lockdown will still get their graduation day</a> - Reuters<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br><a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc15.com/news/state/asu-global-management-graduates-to-walk-with-robots-in-virtual-ceremony">ASU Global Management graduates to 'walk' with robots in virtual ceremony</a> - ABC 15 <br><a target="_blank" href="https://kjzz.org/content/1556861/robots-stand-asu-thunderbird-grads-virtual-commencement">Robots To Stand In For ASU Thunderbird Grads At Virtual Commencement</a> - KJZZ <br><br></div><div><br></div>
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| COVID-19 Cybersecurity Protection Tips | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/1209 | Information Technology Services | | 5/4/2020 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1209/Newsroom_ITS_010.png | | COVID-19 Cybersecurity Protection Tips | <div class="ExternalClass4823262B21BA480683F5F7F3696E8C18"><html>
<p>Cyber criminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 health emergency by conducting cyberattacks against businesses, government entities, hospitals, and the public. Many of these attacks may try to impersonate trusted brands, like the city of Phoenix, to create legitimacy in deceptive spam, phishing, and more advanced attacks. <br></p><p>As the city continues to serve the public during this extremely challenging time, residents and businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant when sharing personal and financial information online. <br></p><p>Here are a few tips to keep in mind: <br></p><p>•<strong> Be cautious of links in emails, even from known contacts.</strong> There are many websites claiming to have the latest COVID-19 data or live COVID maps, etc. Only browse known websites and resist clicking on unfamiliar links, even if those links were sent by someone you know. <br></p><p>• <strong>Be suspicious of wire transfer payment requests. </strong>The city of Phoenix does not request wire transfer payments from residents or businesses. If you receive a suspicious financial request from someone claiming to be with the city, immediately stop and verify it with the appropriate department. <br></p><p>• <strong>Get reliable information directly from the source.</strong> The impact of COVID-19 has created temporarily changes to some city services, and departments continue to release updates to ensure the public has reliable information. Visit <a target="_blank" title="" href="/newsroom/em-and-hs/1054">phoenix.gov/newsroom</a> for current coronavirus city news, as well as resident and business resources. <br><br><br></p>
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| Data Privacy Day 2020: Five Things You Should Know | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/871 | Information Technology Services | | 1/28/2020 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/871/Newsroom_ITS_009.png | | Data Privacy Day 2020: Five Things You Should Know | <div class="ExternalClass7E10D773AB834345BE04BD6D9057AAFE"><html>On Data Privacy Day 2020, Phoenix joins the <span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Nati</span><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">onal Cyber Security Alliance and encourages</span> residents to "own their privacy" by learning how to safeguard personal data online. Visit <a href="https://staysafeonline.org/dpd20-live/" target="_blank">staysafeonline.org</a> for live coverage starting at 11 a.m. MST and consider the following tips every day. <br><br>
<div><strong>Know the Risks of Public Wifi. </strong>These days free, public wifi is available nearly everywhere. Unfortunately, where there is public wifi, there are potential hackers waiting to gain access to the data in your device. Safeguard your data by using a virtual private network (VPN) whenever connecting to public wifi. VPNs offer online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. </div>
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<div><strong>Turn Off Built-In Cameras and Microphones.</strong> Data Privacy Day is a great reason to do a camera audit on your phone. Go to your settings, look at the apps on your phone, and disable specific ones from accessing your camera if it is not necessary. </div>
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<div><strong>Check Your Privacy Settings</strong>. Privacy settings are just as important as locking the front door of your home! Ask yourself: Do you need to have your location turned on? Which apps have requested access to your camera? </div>
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<div><strong>Update Device Software Regularly</strong>. Have you received another software update alert? One way to safeguard your personal data online is regularly updating the software on your devices. Among other things, software updates are released to address security issues when they occur. </div>
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<div><strong>Enable Two-Factor Authentication.</strong> Add an extra layer of protection to your desktop and devices by enabling two-factor authentication. Requiring multiple verification to access your social media & financial accounts help to prevent unauthorized users from getting your data. </div>
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