Talk of the County | One Franklin County Initiative

10/14/24 • 34 min

"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Outdated content will be updated, and staff will be trained to use simpler language to enhance comprehension.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 like body-worn cameras.

[email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

"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.

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 like body-worn cameras.

[email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Previous Episode

General Session - October 8, 2024: Cybersecurity, Digital Inclusion, and Key County Resolutions

In this episode of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners General Session, the commissioners welcomed guests from SAFER Station and SMRT Columbus to highlight the significance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Digital Inclusion Week. The board also addressed a wide range of resolutions covering infrastructure improvements, mental health services, diversity initiatives, and economic development efforts.

Resolutions Discussed:

Auditor

• Reso. No. 0777-24: Amendment to the Enterprise Licensing Agreement for GIS software and services. ($1,575,000)

Domestic Relations

• Reso. No. 0778-24: Contract for mediation services with ten vendors. ($75,000)

Engineer

• Reso. No. 0779-24: Approval of plans for Renner Road improvements.

• Reso. No. 0780-24: Compensation for property owners abutting Briggs Road and Josephine Avenue. ($900)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Reso. No. 0782-24: Grant with Hyatt Regency Columbus for the second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference. ($72,125)

Economic Development & Planning

• Reso. No. 0783-24: Discharge of mortgage for Marlene M. Roach in Westerville.

Job and Family Services

• Reso. No. 0784-24: Service agreement with CredibleMind Inc. for a digital behavioral health platform. ($43,000)

Human Resources

• Reso. No. 0785-24: Agreement with Ohio State University for MAPS training units. ($91,250)

Purchasing

• Reso. No. 0786-24: Approving purchases for Franklin County agencies. ($7,703,856.33)

• Reso. No. 0787-24: Approving additional purchases. ($16,870)

Board of Commissioners

• Reso. No. 0788-24: Appointment of representatives to the District 3 Public Works Integrating Committee.

Tune in to stay updated on Franklin County’s latest initiatives and decisions impacting the community!

Next Episode

Talk of The County | Michael Bivens’ Path to Success and Civic Engagement as Juss Mikey

We have a very special guest, Michael Bivens, also known as "Juss Mikey." Born in Columbus and educated at North Carolina A&T, Michael's journey from a kinesiology degree holder to a vibrant entertainment personality is nothing short of inspiring.

We'll explore how his early passion for hosting events shaped his career, the influence of his HBCU experience on his personal and professional growth, and the importance of positive energy in everything he does. Michael sheds light on the pivotal advice from his parents, his unique take on civic engagement, and the impact of his work in political content creation. We'll also chat about the role of nostalgia in entertainment, his upcoming projects, and his recent accolades from Nike.

Memorable Moments

04:45 HBCUs inspire camaraderie, motivation, and shared goals.

08:08 Matching my family's high-achieving legacy.

10:48 Motivation comes from embracing challenges, seeking advice.

13:26 First asked about confidence in her presence.

17:46 Political influence through celebrity endorsements in elections.

21:58 Currently not interested in pursuing politics.

23:16 Attention spans are short; use influencers for impact.

27:52 Nike honors me with gifts for influence.

31:30 Start shows with nostalgic 2013-2017 music.

33:17 Conflicted feelings about past music preferences.

38:15 Balancing demographics, valuing guest perspectives on talk.

39:20 Discuss, acknowledge challenges, ensure actions follow.

Top Takeaways

Identity and Tribute: Michael Bivens adopted the name "Juss Mikey" from his birth name Justin, changing his name to Michael to honor his father.
Educational Journey and Career Shift: Despite having a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, Bivens pursued a career in entertainment, drawn by his passion which started in elementary school.
Positive Energy and Experience: Bivens stresses the importance of transferring positive energy and creating enjoyable experiences for everyone he interacts with.
HBCU Experience and Personal Growth: Bivens praises the supportive community at North Carolina A&T, an HBCU, which significantly contributed to his personal and professional development.
Parental Influence and Decision Making: Bivens acknowledges the beneficial impact of his parents' advice, which led him to attend North Carolina A&T, drawing parallels to finding an unexpectedly perfect fit.
Civic Engagement and Voting Importance: Emphasizing participation in democracy, Bivens advocates for voting and being informed about political issues to ensure personal interests are represented and to counter misinformation.
Role of Celebrities and Influencers: Bivens highlights the importance of celebrities like Taylor Swift and influencers in engaging young voters and capturing attention on political and economic issues.
Addressing Challenges and Personal Growth: Bivens navigates the pressure of living up to family expectations and finding his unique path outside traditional roles, emphasizing resilience over multiple setbacks.
Media and Information Flow: The necessity of quickly sharing accurate content to combat misinformation is discussed, highlighting the effectiveness of concise digital content like graphics and short videos.
Music and Nostalgia in Engagement: Both Wilson and Bivens agree on the universal appeal of iconic songs and how nostalgia plays a crucial role in engaging audiences, with Bivens frequently using music from 2013-2017 to connect with his listeners.

[email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Franklin County Media - Talk of the County | One Franklin County Initiative

Transcript

Kenneth Wilson [00:00:14]:

Good afternoon. This is the, Talk Of The County live from the NACO Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Florida. We are pleased to be here to talk about Franklin County and IT Technology. The things that, are we do to make life work better on behalf of the 1,350,000 Franklin County residents and all in the theme of serving every resident every day. We are here. Franklin County has just been freshly awarded one of the top 10 digital counties with a populat