We talk to Scott Conn , recently appointed CIO , about the challenges and rewards of placing technology at the service of an urban population
CITY OF MODESTO
We talk to Scott Conn , recently appointed CIO , about the challenges and rewards of placing technology at the service of an urban population
The more you learn about Modesto , California , the more attractive it seems as a place to live . Certainly its ideal climate and contented lifestyle were among many factors that brought its new CIO Scott Conn to the city in May 2022 as a key member of its 12-strong executive team . “ Modesto is a very diverse , familyoriented community primarily involved in farming and ranching , for which the climate is well suited . It ’ s located near the foothills of the California Sierras and it ’ s the perfect place to raise a family : we have great values and endless opportunities , with sports facilities and a vibrant downtown area .” And sitting less than 100 miles from San Francisco , he says , it ’ s well placed to take advantage of the technological hotspots of Silicon Valley - he summarises it as ‘ an awesome and up-and-coming place .’
Modesto , on Scott Conn ’ s watch , has recently been named among the top ten in the digital cities in the USA by the govtech . com Center for Digital Government - cities that elevated their municipalities ' resilience while bolstering services and prioritising engagement with their residents . “ This award recognises how we are leveraging technology to communicate with our entire community . The more we digitise , the easier it is for people to find information , the faster it is for them to find
172 February 2023