Key Takeaways
- Denver Technology Services has received multiple prestigious awards for excellence and innovation in technology and digital services
- The department has been recognized for its comprehensive improvements in digital experience, smart city initiatives, public programming, and pioneering AI adoption
- Awards include the Government Experience Awards, Digital Cities Survey, AI 50 Recognition Program, NATOA Government Programming Awards, and CIO 100 Awards
- The recognition highlights the department’s commitment to leveraging technology to deliver high-quality, innovative services that enhance residents’ lives
- The awards demonstrate the collaborative spirit across city departments and the dedication and expertise of the Technology Services team
Introduction to Denver Technology Services’ Achievements
Denver Technology Services is celebrating a remarkable year of national recognition, having secured multiple prestigious awards for excellence and innovation in technology and digital services. These awards span various categories, including overall digital experience, smart city initiatives, public programming, and pioneering AI adoption within the public sector. The department’s achievements are a testament to the dedication and expertise of its team, as well as the collaborative spirit across city departments. According to Suma Nallapati, Denver’s Chief AI and Information Officer, "Receiving multiple awards this year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire Technology Services team. It also shows the collaborative spirit across our city departments."
Government Experience Awards and Digital Cities Survey
The Government Experience Awards recognize states, cities, and counties for their enhancements in government service delivery. This year’s awardees advanced digital services by rethinking how programs are designed and delivered, modernizing websites, expanding broadband access, and leveraging innovative technologies such as generative AI, multilingual chatbots, single sign-on, live chat, and location-based services. The City and County of Denver earned 1st place in the "Overall City Government Experience" category for its comprehensive improvements. Additionally, the Center for Digital Government’s annual Digital Cities Survey recognizes cities that utilize technology to enhance digital services and transparency, strengthen cybersecurity, digital privacy rights, digital equity, and find innovative ways to support solutions for social challenges facing cities today. Denver won 10th place in the "500,000 or more population" category.
AI Innovation and Government Programming Awards
The AI 50 Recognition Program celebrates those advancing AI innovation in government. Denver received honors for the Sunny chatbot, which improved resident communications, reduced 311 hold times, and made government services available in 72 languages, all in compliance with the state’s comprehensive digital accessibility legislation. The NATOA Government Programming Awards commend excellence in local government broadcast and multimedia programming. Denver 8 TV won the award of excellence for "Denver Decides: 2024 General Election Ballot Overview." These awards demonstrate the department’s commitment to leveraging technology to deliver high-quality, innovative services that enhance residents’ lives.
CIO 100 Awards and Conclusion
The CIO 100 Awards celebrate IT teams for innovative use of technology to deliver business value, whether by creating competitive advantage, optimizing business processes, enabling growth, or improving relationships with customers. Denver Technology Services has been recognized as one of the honorees, demonstrating its excellence in IT innovation. In conclusion, the numerous awards received by Denver Technology Services are a testament to the department’s dedication to leveraging technology to deliver high-quality, innovative services that enhance residents’ lives. The recognition highlights the collaborative spirit across city departments and the expertise of the Technology Services team. As the department continues to innovate and improve its services, it is likely to receive further recognition and accolades in the future. The list of recent and past awards can be viewed online, showcasing the department’s ongoing commitment to excellence in technology and digital services.