A Guide to “Smart City” Resources

Through its website and apps, Coral Gables makes a wealth of information available to businesses, all at the touch of a finger. The Information Technology Department (CGIT) works with city leaders and various municipal departments to promote efficiency, innovation and real-time data through advancing technology. With its easy-to-use Smart City Hub, the city offers a variety of free information that businesses can use to formulate sales strategy, attract customers or plan expansion. Here are brief descriptions of Smart City Hub sections:

Transparency Portals

Via these financial and public information dashboards and graphs, businesses can request and search for public records such as contracts, agreements and other documents; schedule and check the status of permits and inspections; and see Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs).

Citizen Engagement

The city website is designed to facilitate communication between businesses and the municipal government. Citizens can: Request services or report issues; locate information, events and resources in the economic development department pages; access social media sites such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook; sign up for webinars and connect with the city’s IT department for technology resources and training.

App Store

The Coral Gables App Store is a useful tool for businesses and customers. In addition to easing payment of licenses and fees, for example, its apps link businesses to information from the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Improvement District.

eGOV CITY SERVICES

Here businesses can apply for and pay for licenses, certificates of use, invoices, permits and leases; pay a stormwater bill or special assessment; register as a city vendor; or pay for a parking permit renewal.

Open Data

The city offers dozens of free open data sources that provide GIS (geographic information system) maps, economic development datasets and useful information for developers and contractors on everything from real estate to zoning.

Internet Of Things

Sensors in downtown Coral Gables that track pedestrian and vehicle traffic provide retailers and marketing analysts with real-time information. For example, block-by-block foot traffic on Giralda Plaza, and vehicle and foot traffic on Miracle Mile can be invaluable in planning retail strategies for businesses and new business locations.

GIS (GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE)

The science of “where” integrates data and maps to provide businesses with an array of information, including development projects, street lights, transportation options, the location of e-vehicle charging stations, storm surge planning zones, and the type and location of the city’s tens of thousands of trees.

Community Intelligence Center

Businesses are invited to join residents on this platform, designed in part for community initiatives and collaborations – for example, in Smart City competitions seeking solutions to transportation and traffic challenges. ■

TOP: RAIMUNDO RODULFO, THE CITY’S DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, OVERSEES THE SMART CITY ONLINE DATA HUB.

BOTTOM: REAL-TIME DATA SUCH AS THE MONITORING OF THE FLOW OF PEDESTRIANS IS AVAILABLE ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE.

For more information, visit: www.coralgables.com or www.cg-hubdev-cggis.opendata.arcgis.com