For the second year in a row, Scottsdale has earned the top spot in the Center for Digital Government’s annual Digital Cities Survey, ranking No. 1 among cities with populations between 125,000 and 249,999.
This prestigious national survey recognizes cities that excel in leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, uphold privacy rights, promote transparency, and strengthen cybersecurity. Scottsdale remains the only Arizona municipality to achieve a No. 1 ranking in any category.
“Scottsdale’s commitment to fostering innovation is at the heart of our success,” said Bianca Lochner, the city’s chief information officer. “One of our top accomplishments this year has been expanding AI governance and low-code platforms, ensuring ethical and transparent AI usage across all city systems while empowering innovation.”
The Center for Digital Government credited Scottsdale’s leadership in digital transformation and highlighted several of the city’s recent technological achievements:
- AI Governance: Implementation of a cutting-edge AI platform to monitor city systems, survey employee and vendor AI practices, and align with the AI Risk Management Framework from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- AI in Citizen Services: Participation in a pilot program with Amazon Connect, using AI to enhance call center operations in partnership with Amazon Web Services.
- Citywide Data Strategy: Launch of a comprehensive strategy to advance data collection, integration, and analysis across departments.
- Public Safety Investments: Introduction of a new real-time crime center to enhance community safety.
- Resident Engagement: Deployment of new platforms like Speak Up Scottsdale to improve citizen feedback and participation.
- New City Website: Launch of a mobile-responsive website featuring improved search functionality, action-oriented organization, intent-based user interfaces, and enhanced accessibility.
Scottsdale’s continued recognition reflects its dedication to innovation and its ability to leverage technology to serve residents better and ensure ethical, effective governance.