Politics & Government

County to Evaluate Online Solutions to Governing

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is considering "e-government solutions" to streamline applications and permits.

The Citizens' Economy and Efficiency Commission on Tuesday laid out a series of recommendations to the board for successfully adopting new technologies and reducing reliance on outdated legacy computer systems.

"Our findings represent a mixed picture," said commission appointee Arne Kalm.

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The county has implemented various high-tech solutions to deliver services and accept online payments and is using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Big projects have included online voter registration and a conversion to electronic health records throughout the county hospital system.

"Yet there is compelling evidence that the county of Los Angeles is generally not an early adopter of new technologies and that projects move along smoothly only when there's a high-level, hands-on management sponsor and the project is contained within a single silo," Kalm said.

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The commission's recommendations seek to change that, calling for the update of antiquated systems and a cultural change based on embracing technology.

Supervisor Michael Antonovich proposed that Chief Executive Officer William Fujioka evaluate the recommendations and sources of funding and report back to the board in 30 days. The board unanimously approved.

"This action accelerates the county's initiative to utilize technology to facilitate the application and permitting process -- saving taxpayer dollars, streamlining processes and enhancing civic participation," Antonovich said.

—City News Service


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