BasicGov / BLOG

This is the 3rd trend as part of our Ahead of the Curve white paper and blog series authored by HB Lanarc and sponsored by BasicGov. Click to read previous Trend 1 and Trend 2.

Trend 3: Public Demands for Accountability

Trust in the government is at an all-time low by some measures. As a result, citizens are demanding more clarity about what local governments are doing, and how well elected officials are delivering on their promises. For example, Chicago recently adopted a performance management program as a means of ensuring accountability to its citizens.

Furthermore, some senior governments are starting to require cities, towns and counties to regularly report “up” on performance. These demands are beginning to extend to details of development applications, with many local governments providing citizens and businesses access with web portals to apply and check status of permits and licenses. A few are even engaging in participatory budgeting processes, involving citizens directly with priority-setting and the resulting fiscal decisions.

What are you seeing as trends in public demands and local government?

Next trend is “Competition to reduce red tape“.

To read full white paper, click here.

We’ve added 12 new features to our current BasicGov modules to improve the functionality. Customers, email or call me with any questions as to how to use any of these items.

• New login page www.basicgov.com/login
• Alerts on parcel, contact, project, complaint, permit
• New/Edit button – no longer have to add multiple fees one-at-a-time
• Link Attachments – don’t worry about your storage limit
• New Receipts functionality – able to print receipt along with related fees
• Preview information by “hovering”
• Run Automation button has been replaced by the newer, faster Assess button
• Animals in Code Enforcement – for animal related complaints
• Proposed use – for planning users you can now add site characteristics to your Proposed use – like building height, stories, number of lots
• Plan Checks – a new area for Permits or Applications where you can enter Setback information
• Permits – Inspection Sheet
• Advanced search: To improve your search results when you’re searching for a parcel or an owner by address or part of an address and having no luck, use the Advanced Search