Tempe improves technology to serve you better

Innovation is important to society. By improving the processes and technologies we use, we can become more efficient and solve problems to make our world more comfortable and healthy.

In Tempe, many of our businesses are technology-based. We appreciate the future-oriented outlook they bring to our community. We can learn from these companies and embrace some of the ideas and concepts they offer.

As a city, it is important that we utilize the tools of the day to connect with those who live here, work here, go to school here or visit us. As a city, we want to be responsible with the revenues we receive and make the most of those dollars. In 2011/2012, Tempe will roll out three new advancements for our community:

• Tempe 311
• Our new tempe.gov website
• A new utility billing system

Each of these is designed to help you get the information you need faster and to help make the city more efficient.

One Call to City Hall
Tempe 311 is a centralized call system that should minimize the number of times a caller needs to be transferred to get to the appropriate person. When it launches late this year, Tempe will likely be the first city in the Valley to offer a comprehensive system that will address questions and issues from residents, businesses, visitors and students. Some city departments have already switched over with great success. We will continue to add other departments until all are onboard.

Beyond reducing wait times for callers, Tempe 311 should streamline the process from the initial call to the resolution in the field. The system allows Tempe to track its responsiveness for the first time and make improvements to work flows and staffing, if needed. Your call to City Hall will be monitored from the moment you make it until your issue is resolved.

Find Online Information Faster

Many people prefer to get their information online rather than calling. The city’s website, www.tempe.gov, is also undergoing a major revision. The website will be much leaner, requiring fewer clicks to get to the answers you need. There will be more ‘how to’ videos, more transparency and the structure of the web should be very logical for most people.

Make Paying Utility Bills Easier

The forthcoming utility billing system will allow people to go paperless or set up recurring payments for their City of Tempe utilities. The phone version of the system will also be improved.

These are just three ways that we work toward being innovative, efficient and service-oriented for our community. If you have ideas, I’d love to hear them. Contact me at onnie_shekerjian@tempe.gov.