Most local governments in our area have some sort of Geographic Information System (GIS) either in place or in the planning stage. Some have very sophisticated systems on the Web with upwards of 100 layers and significant functionality. Others are just beginning and are debating whether to put information on the Web to benefit their citizens or to focus on internal use with GIS on individual computers or shared with the staff on a local area network. Those who are willing to share data with their citizens have to decide whether to host the system themselves internally (in-source) or work with an application service provider (out-source) to provide the hosting responsibility. In some cases, the application service provider will also develop the data but increasingly the local government hires internal staff to develop the data and to provide individual customized services to other departments.

During his term on the committee, Michael would like to see the committee continue with efforts to inform and educate A&A employees. He would also like to examine the role of A&A’s Marketing and Human Resources Teams to see if their talents could be used in conjunction with the ESOP Committee.