[Archived] Alexandria Ranked Among America’s Top Digital Cities

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	December 5, 2005 PIO# 340-05/rdo	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Ranked Among America’s Top Digital Cities
City Recognized for Outstanding Use of Information Technology

Alexandria’s e-government initiatives were ranked fourth in the nation for cities of its size, according to an annual study by the National League of Cities, the Center for Digital Government, and Government Technology magazine. The study focused on how well city governments have deployed information technology resources to deliver services to customers.

The “Digital Cities Survey” recognized Alexandria’s cutting-edge web site at alexandriava.gov. The survey noted the availability of City Council webcasts; electronic forms and calendars, online payment of taxes, tickets, and fees; emergency preparedness information, interactive job applications, and free public wireless Internet access. The City was also cited for its extensive use of technology in law enforcement; comprehensive strategic planning and project management; information technology standards and protocols; geographic information systems; and citywide data network.

“Alexandria has long been a national leader in municipal information technology,” said Mayor William D. Euille. “Our goal is to provide excellent service to our customers, and we are proud to be recognized for the outstanding work done by the technology professionals throughout Alexandria City government.”

The City tied with Lincoln, Neb., for fourth place in the 125,000 to 249,000 population range, topping such large cities as Des Moines, Iowa, and Salt Lake City, Utah, for the honor. Alexandria was the only city in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region recognized in any population category.

Alexandria is a place where technology thrives and is an integral part of doing business. Attracted by a business-friendly and fiscally responsible government with top AAA/Aaa bond ratings, the seventh-most educated workforce in the United States, and an outstanding quality of life, more than 350 technology companies, employing approximately 12,000, call Alexandria home. The City offers tax breaks for technology companies doing research and development, and it created the first enterprise zone in Northern Virginia to provide companies with substantial state tax credits, grants, and other benefits.

In just 16 square miles, Alexandria is home to nearly 400 professional associations – the fourth largest concentration in the United States. From the Aeronautical Repair Station Association to the Wireless Location Industry Association, many of these organizations contribute to the nationwide advancement of technology in their respective fields. In addition, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which moved to the City in 2004, has made Alexandria an international center for intellectual property processes and practices.

For more information, contact the City’s E-Government Manager Craig Fifer at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.838.6333 x537. Additional information about the Digital Cities Survey is also available at centerdigitalgov.com.

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