Transforming City Governance through Technology

Thomas Kureczka, Chief Information Officer at City of Winston-Salem

Thomas Kureczka serves as the CIO for the City of Winston-Salem, leading a team of 50 professionals and managing a $20 million budget to support 2,600 city employees across 28 departments. With nearly 30 years in public service and 18 years in the private sector, Kureczka focuses on transforming City Hall into a digital hub that enhances government services. He emphasizes a customer-centric approach, prioritizing people and processes over technology while actively exploring emerging technologies like AI and IoT to serve our residents, improve digital literacy, and bridge the digital divide.

My Journey as CIO

As the city of Winston-Salem’s chief information officer, I guide a dedicated team while managing a substantial budget to support various departments. I aim to transform city hall into a digital hub that makes government services accessible, engaging, and responsive.

I understand that success in technology hinges on knowing the people we serve, with nearly 30 years of experience in public service and 18 years in the private sector. Each department functions as a unique client, and I nurture a customer-centric mindset. I foster an agile environment that meets internal and community needs by prioritizing people and processes over technology.

Technology and Efficiency in City Operations

Under the new city manager’s leadership, we embrace a streamlined approach to operations. Raising the contract approval threshold to $500,000 enables departments to act swiftly while ensuring accountability, reducing red tape for a more responsive government.

Our focus on technology includes cloud migration, distributed data centers, and edge computing, which enhance security and performance. Modernizing core systems like human resources, payroll, and finance allows us to adapt without overhauling our infrastructure. Collaborating with organizations such as CISA and the FBI strengthens our cybersecurity measures, ensuring citizens can access services anytime, anywhere, from any device.

Agility is crucial. While we set an annual work plan, we remain responsive to the community’s evolving needs. We aim to maximize every tech dollar spent to enhance services for citizens and our dedicated teams.

Strengthening Connections through Technology

I prioritize building solid relationships with department heads and elected officials. My involvement in citizen workshops and feedback surveys ensures our technology initiatives align with the city’s strategic vision.

A critical partnership with WinstonNet focuses on bridging the digital divide. As a board member, I helped launch Digital Bridges Forsyth, which supported students learning from home during the pandemic. This initiative secured $2 million in funding, trained over 1,250 residents, and provided free laptops, significantly improving digital literacy in our community.

I collaborate with IT leaders across the Triad Regional Council to exchange best practices. I address pressing issues like housing and homelessness by staying connected with department heads, ensuring our technology solutions remain relevant and practical.

Emerging Technologies Transforming City Services and Governance

Integrating emerging technologies is essential for enhancing city services. My team and I explore artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, establishing guidelines for responsible usage—especially for citizen-facing services like chatbots.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another growth area, particularly in law enforcement and building automation. Our city boasts a 130-mile fiber network developed in partnership with the NC Department of Transportation, supporting intelligent traffic systems and enhanced connectivity. Investments in edge computing and cloud solutions optimize data processing for utility operations, enabling real-time decision-making.

“We embrace a streamlined approach to operations. By raising the contract approval threshold to $500,000, we enable departments to act swiftly while ensuring accountability, reducing red tape for a more responsive government”

We are also exploring virtual and augmented reality for training and education, broadening our technological capabilities. Our commitment to sustainable technology, including renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, will shape the city’s future.

Building a Responsive City: Strategies for Embracing Change

As technology integrates into city governance, I want to share insights from my journey. Here are some guiding principles:

●  Infuse Humour: Laughter transforms the atmosphere. Consider your office a creative kitchen where ideas grow; humor builds companionship and eases change.

● Look beyond Gadgets: Technology is exciting but only valuable when applied thoughtfully. Encourage your team to explore how new tools can enhance citizens’ lives.

● Build Bridges, Not Silos: Cultivating relationships is essential for effective governance. Construct a network of collaboration that can withstand challenges.

● Balance is Key: Balance existing operations with new projects. Keep the lights on while exploring the future to ensure you thrive.

● Stay Agile: In this fast-paced technological landscape, agility is crucial. Embrace flexibility and empower your team to adapt quickly.

● Leverage Collective Expertise: You don’t have to have all the answers. Harmonize the diverse talents within your team to create robust solutions.

● Know Your Customers: Engage with departments to understand their challenges and aspirations, nurturing relationships to ensure every voice is heard.

Let these strategies guide you as you navigate the complexities of technology integration in governance. We can inspire a vibrant, responsive community and embrace a brighter future.

AI

IoT

Agile

Augmented Reality

Renewable Energy