Phila. councilman wants local government to go electronic

The Philadelphia government should be an open book, yet ironically, completely paperless, according to a new plan put forth by Councilman Bill Green last night.

Central to his “Open Philadelphia Government” plan is utilizing technology. City government is still largely run with paper forms and outdated procedures, Green said, and he claims a paperless government will save the city $200 million a year while also improving government services.

“The concept is that everything that comes into the city of Philadelphia, every field on every form will be electronically submitted,” Green said. “This will make Philadelphia more effective and efficient. We have the chance to be the first truly paperless government.”

Other highlights to the plan include the creation of the website OpenDataPhilly.org. Through the still growing website, residents will access to information about how the government operates, city financial information and the ability to get email alerts about “matters of interest” happening in specific neighborhoods.

An annual app creation competition caps off the technological boost. Green hopes to run the competition next year and says the apps will help “utilize data and generate publicity and excitement about the new resources that have been made available.”