The Center for Digital Government (CDG) announced the winners of the 2019 Digital Cities survey and Westminster took second place in the 75,000 to 125,000 population category. For 16 years, the city has participated in the Digital Cities survey. The city has ranked in the top ten since 2002.

The annual survey recognizes cities using technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, strengthen cybersecurity and more.

From the city’s Fleet Manager saving $45,000 a year to the utility meter shop saving $100,000, Westminster’s Information Technology Department has addressed pain points and presented a clear return on investment. The city has made a recent shift in the way it approaches new technology, more thoroughly interviewing stakeholders and considering process improvement as a possible alternative when something new isn’t truly necessary.

It has notched a lot of wins, including several time-saving automations — work orders related to road work, sewers and 811 calls are now generated automatically through integrations. It has also delivered a new app to help the Police Department’s victim services unit complete more work in the field and improved the City Clerk’s business license application process.

“I’m very proud of our group and our cross-department accomplishments this past year,” said IT Director Emily Littlejohn. “IT’s focus is on both internal customers and city residents. This award showcases their dedication and talents.”

Open to all U.S. cities, the survey selected national leaders in the top 10 characteristics of a digital city: leadership alignment, citizen-centric, efficient, data governance, secure, resilient, staffed/supported, connected, innovative and best practices.

“The top Digital Cities this year are taking the IT department far beyond the role of service provider,” said Phil Bertolini, co-director of CDG. “They’re exploring creative ways to leverage their technology investments and redefining the role of the public-sector technology leader at the city level.”