TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft an ordinance creating the Technology and Innovation Commission, and return to Council within 30 days for approval.
DISCUSSION
Over the last few years, the City of Long Beach has shown leadership on technology issues. We were named a top-ten digital city two years in a row due to our investment in technology, including our Go Long Beach smartphone application, our new online permits and licenses, the use of social media, an open government initiative, an online city contract database, free WiFi initiatives for our parks and libraries, and upgrading our technology throughout the city.
To ensure that we continue providing cutting edge services to our residents, visitors, and businesses, and that we maintain, expand and capitalize on our leadership position, Long Beach should create a Technology and Innovation Commission. Long Beach has always been ahead of the curve in creating new commissions to address important areas of public policy as they emerge. When modernizing our law enforcement practices required citizen oversight, we created the Citizen's Police Complain Commission. When the public and our elected officials recognized the profound importance of environmental stewardship and sustainabllity, we created the Sustainable City Commission. And now as technology has become so prominent in our lives, and such an essential part of our economic survival, it is time to create a Technology and Innovation Commission.
The Commission would be comprised of Long Beach residents with special skills, knowledge, expertise and interest in technological innovation, and would be able to advise the Council on new technology, evaluate proposals for investing in technological innovation and infrastructure, and serve as a clearinghouse for new ideas that can enhance the City's use of technology and its place in our economy.
Long Beach has incredible potential for growth in the technology sector. With a thriving creativ...
Click here for full text