The Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities today announced the top-ranked local governments in its 10th annual Digital Cities Survey. The survey recognizes municipalities that successfully incorporate information technology into operations to better serve constituents, businesses, and city government.

After several years of competing, the City of Pueblo was ranked 1st in the survey among cities with similar populations size.

“We have competed in Digital Cities Survey since 2003 and have finished in the top ten every year except 2005”, says City Information Technology Director Lori Pinz. “To come in first place this year truly represents our true dedication to serving our citizens’ needs.”

The survey was open to to all U.S. cities with populations of 30,000 or more. Pueblo placed first in the category of cities with population ranging from 75,000 to 125,000. Some of the cities it competed against include Berkley, California, Independence, Missouri, and Arvada, Colorado.

Media Systems Administrator Bobby Cuomo is one of those I.T. employees who has been involved in the survey since the first year the city participated. “We have worked hard to bring premier service to our community. We feel our website has found the best way to not only inform the public, but to encourage citizens to be involved."

The cities that landed on top of the survey include Boston, Massachusetts in the 250,000 population or more classification; Richmond, Virginia, among those cities with populations between 125,000 and 249,000; and Castle Rock, Colorado among cities with 30,000 to 74,999 population.

"This year's winners continue to demonstrate the transformative power of information technology," said Digital Communities Director Todd Sander. "Economic conditions are bringing about a fundamental rethinking of local government structures and support strategies. It is clear from the results that digital technology is a critical factor in helping organizations not only maintain, but actually improve service delivery when faced with fewer employees and smaller budgets."

Pinz agrees that the current economic climate has provided its own challenges. She says therefore, "that the department’s goal is to provide solutions that maximize efficiency, increase accountability, and support government transparency. As the City’s budget becomes more constrained, we are focusing our efforts and monies on services that are the most important to our citizens. This is an absolute must.”

The winners of this years Digital Cities Survey will be honored in a special ceremony in Denver on December 2nd.