"One Franklin County Initiative" is a project aimed at transforming the government experience by simplifying access to services for residents and businesses.

We explore how Franklin County plans to overhaul their complex web presence into a streamlined, user-friendly platform.

Our guest, Adam Frumkin, Chief Information Officer (CIO) Franklin County Data Center and Juan Torres, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Chief Information Officer (CIO), share insights on the web redesign's focus on ADA compliance, multilingual accessibility, and mobile-first design.

We hear about the implementation of a feedback loop for residents, ensuring continuous improvement of the online experience, and discuss the county's vision of creating a progressive model for government websites. Along the way, our conversation veers into intriguing personal anecdotes, from nearly delivering a baby on the highway to mascot adventures and beach preferences.

Additionally, we'll touch on the critical role of technology in elections and utilities, the importance of securing voter confidence, and how Franklin County's technological innovations have earned it a spot among the top 10 digital counties in the USA.

Key Moments

00:00 Achieved digital innovation in county services direction.

03:48 Technology enhances real-life efficiency for residents.

08:38 Complex tech secures and verifies video authenticity.

11:09 Building trust is crucial for election technology.

15:18 Election blackout restricts changes; technology balancing act.

17:59 Electricity is vital; Franklin County faces stress.

20:38 Transforming web presence to enhance resident services.

23:51 Improving Franklin County's resident-focused government experience.

27:41 Simplify government terms using common words.

Key Takeaways

1. **One Franklin County Initiative**:

- The initiative focuses on revamping government services to prioritize resident needs, aiming to integrate services into a single, user-friendly platform.

2. **Web Redesign Focus**:

- A revamped web presence will prioritize accessibility, featuring ADA compliance, multilingual support, and mobile-first design for a seamless "Amazon-like" experience.

3. **Resident Engagement and Feedback**:

- Implementing a resident feedback loop allows for real-time adjustments based on user comments, enhancing website searchability and relevance.

4. **Content and Interface Improvements**:

- Outdated content will be updated, and staff will be trained to use simpler language to enhance comprehension. A user-friendly search interface will adapt to resident usage.

5. **Personal Anecdotes and Leisure**:

- The episode includes light-hearted personal stories, such as Juan Torres' near highway birth of his son, and preferences for beach locations among the speakers.

6. **County's Vision**:

- Franklin County aims to create a progressive model for government websites, continuously learning and adapting to better meet resident and business needs.

7. **Technology's Role in Elections**:

- Technology is vital for secure and efficient elections. Upgraded voter registration and check-in systems are emphasized to build voter confidence.

8. **Challenges of Diverse Technology Needs**:

- The county faces challenges implementing diverse tech needs without disrupting services, with strategic planning crucial for smooth transitions.

9. **Legacy Systems and Innovation**:

- Franklin County is recognized for replacing legacy systems and fostering innovation. The county balances updates with necessary staff training.

10. **Shift to Cloud-Based Solutions Post-COVID**:

- The pandemic accelerated the shift toward cloud-based solutions, improving government transparency and ensuring efficient data handling for services