Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia Chief Technology Officer Gale Given announced today the Center for Digital Government designated West Virginia with a B+ grade in the 2016 Digital States Survey. West Virginia received the same grade in the last survey, which was conducted in 2014.
Under the Digital States criteria, a grade of “B” reflects a state that is “trending up. They show results in many survey categories, and their leaders use modernization to change entrenched practices to prepare for more sustainable operations. Incentives for collaboration are in place, and performance measures are used in key areas.”
Over the past two years, West Virginia has achieved success through the use of technology in numerous areas, including:
- Reduction of labor costs by automating services for the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, including requesting personalized plates and official driving records, as well as processing payment of license renewal fees;
- Growth of broadband services throughout the state as a result of a federal grant;
- Promotion of online businesses and educational growth;
- Creation of WV Help, a mobile app that delivers immediate contact information and support resources for those confronting crime, violence and child abuse; and,
- Development of the West Virginia Flood Tool, available for mobile devices at mapwv.gov/flood, which assesses flood risk to properties within the state. The West Virginia Flood Tool is designed to provide floodplain managers, insurance agents, developers, real estate agents, local planners and citizens with an effective means by which to make informed decisions about the degree of flood risk for a specific area or property.
The Digital States Survey was designed to highlight best and emerging technology practices that can be shared across state borders. The survey recognizes these achievements and provides a common reference for all 50 states in the ongoing work of finding better ways to do the public’s business.
“With limited budgeted dollars, West Virginia has maintained its commitment to expanding technological programs and services within state government, affecting our constituents throughout all 55 counties,” said Given. “The momentum that the Office of Technology has experienced thus far continues as we focus our attention in many areas, including cyber security, which will have a great impact on our citizens.”
The results of this survey may be publically viewed at www.govtech.com/cdg/digital-states/Digital-States-Survey-2016-Results.html.
The Center for Digital Government is a government research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local governments and education.