In the midst of crisis, that’s when you look forward and up to the future you want to build.
In a year that’s brought multiple crises – health, economic, social – even the strongest communities have struggled with providing consistent services and dealing with economic uncertainties. Localities across the country have seen gaps in their emergency and disaster preparedness exposed. The good news is that many are seizing this opportunity to pivot and respond with innovative, flexible thinking and focusing on building greater resilience in their communities.
Planning for a meaningful recovery
While it may be hard to see right now, these crises will not last forever and the time for shoring up for a successful rebound is now. Taking time in the moment to think about what we want the future of our community to look like is critical to a quicker and meaningful recovery that will lead to prospering businesses, strategic growth, and a vibrant constituency.
Is digital resilience part of your plan?
Moving forward in times of adversity involves rethinking processes and putting new tools in place that are easy to access and use for everyone.
In the months that followed the first shutdowns and quarantine orders, businesses and governments alike came to recognize the absolute need for digital tools and solutions that would allow them to continue working and providing services away from their brick-and-mortar environments and without in-person interaction.
By incorporating forward-thinking technologies, local governments are simplifying and enhancing how information can be found, accessed, and shared.
What’s your community’s plan for building greater resiliency?
These crises have made it abundantly clear that community preparedness and resilience is critically dependent on putting digital solutions in place. Such implementation not only makes information more accessible, but also reduces strain on staff resources and eases pressure on budgets. Further, ensuring that training is available helps to make the transition to digital work less stressful and more productive in a quicker amount of time.
Additionally, and not to be overlooked, is the need to have ordinances already in place that support the ability of local government to respond rapidly to changing workforce needs and service logistics.
Rising and thriving
Even as the crises continue to beset our communities, embracing opportunities to collaborate and think forward is important. A strong recovery is possible with innovative thought, good planning, and purposeful action.
Pursuing solutions and partners that can support your community’s vision while keeping an eye to continually-evolving building safety and environmental standards are key to rising up from these crises and emerging stronger. Whether it’s collaborating with neighboring municipalities or partnering with a service provider that knows and understands local government and community planning, we can build thriving, resilient communities together.
Save these dates and join us!
As part of our ongoing “Building Resilience” series, we’ll be hosting this upcoming webinar:
How can we help you?
In the meantime, if you have questions or want to learn more about how our services can help your community to be resilient, complete our Solution Inquiries form.
Resources:
Five Issues Facing Local Governments In 2020
COVID-19: How past crises are helping the world’s cities to respond and rebuild
Local governments around the world respond with creativity and determination to the COVID-19 crisis
How COVID-19 is Changing How State and Local Governments Approach Technology
Municipalities Adapt, Try to Keep Local Government Going with Technology
Getting to the Next Normal in Government Technology
Legislating in the Age of COVID-19: Virtual Meetings
The COVID-19 crisis and reflections on systems transformation
How emerging tech can help local government meet urgent needs
UN/DESA Policy Brief #61: COVID-19: Embracing digital government during the pandemic and beyond
