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Chesapeake Named a "Smarter City" by IBM

On February 23, 2010 the City of Chesapeake was featured at the
IBM Pulse Conference for its use of technology to serve citizens more efficiently.

Public Works Econ Dev Building Chesapeake has been recognized as a "Smarter City" by IBM for its use of technology to serve citizens. Nearly 40 city leaders, council members, and area business leaders attended the Smarter Cities - City of Chesapeake - Summit for Industry leaders. The event, hosted at the City's newly opened eco-friendly Economic Development Department, included presentations by IBM Regional Executive Dom Cottone, Chesapeake Mayor Alan P. Krasnoff, City Manager William Harrell and CIO Peter Wallace, who spoke at length about the technology priorities for Chesapeake and how IBM Maximo software is helping improve the lives and safety of its over 200,000 residents.

Every major Chesapeake city department uses IBM Maximo to maintain and manage the vital assets and city resources responsible for Public Utilities, Police, Fire, Public Works, Facilities and Parks and Recreation. The software allows the City to keep track of all assets, from water lines to vehicles, but the real benefit comes when that information is used to make smarter decisions. It allows the City to anticipate what will be needed. If it's vehicle maintenance, it can be planned for a time when the vehicle is not in use instead of when it's on the side of the road. If it's an equipment part, it can be purchased together with other departments to get the best price. In cases where there is an emergency need, having a City-wide inventory means that Public Works can check the inventory of Public Utilities to see if they have the needed item. The replacement of items that expire can be anticipated and included in the budget.

The Chesapeake Police Department is using Maximo to take asset management to a new level. In addition to inventory, the system was configured to capture assignment of equipment to officers and to vehicles. This approach also allows the department to maintain a tight inventory of all assets, from body armor to pepper spray, and to track expenses, the cost per unit, and the cost of outfitting each officer.	Police Sergeant Regina Holcombe

The Chesapeake Police Department is using Maximo to take asset management to a new level. In addition to inventory, the system was configured to capture assignment of equipment to officers and to vehicles. This approach also allows the department to maintain a tight inventory of all assets, from body armor to pepper spray, and to track expenses, the cost per unit, and the cost of outfitting each officer.

Police Sergeant
Regina Holcombe

This way of managing assets means that the City can be more transparent and accountable. Staff can see exactly how money is being spent to ensure that the right amount of resources are going to provide each service. Those expenditures can be reported by to citizens.

According to IBM, "The City of Chesapeake, with technology and services from IBM, is a leading example of a truly interconnected and intelligent city. The commitment and understanding of the value of technology from the Mayor, City Manager and CIO clearly pulsates to all branches and departments across the city."