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Maricopa City Council Sees Success in Paperless Meeting Pilot Program
In spring 2011, the Maricopa City Council, in an effort to reduce paper waste while increasing mobility and information access, took
part in an innovative beta testing program that utilized the use of iPads and an app called
iLegislate. The
program sought to reduce paper agendas and supporting documentation during City Council meetings and work sessions.
"We wanted to take full advantage of the latest innovation in government technology to save natural and financial resources while providing our Council members a
more convenient and efficient way to view agendas and prepare for meetings," said Mayor Tony Smith. "The iLegislate iPad app allowed us to do this and much more.
Our Council members were excited to be one of the first municipalities to test the new software."
iLegislate is a free iPad app that allows government officials to access agenda data in the iPad for taking notes, marking follow-up tasks as well as reducing
printing costs associated with agenda packet production.
The results have shown the beta test to be a success. Prior to taking this paperless approach, Maricopa spent thousands of dollars annually just on paper and
printer supplies. There were additional costs, such as hardware attrition and maintenance as well as personnel needed to assemble and distribute the agenda
packets. Since its participation in the beta test, Maricopa has seen those costs reduced, while functionality has been enhanced: automatic data updates,
note-taking, bookmark organization, extended agenda item details, and access to streaming video related to agenda items.
"Maricopa's paperless initiative is to be commended and we are proud to stand behind it. With iLegislate, Maricopa has more than just removed paper waste; the
Maricopa City Council has created a more efficient government for its constituency," said Tom Spengler, CEO of
Granicus, the creators of iLegislate. The City of Maricopa also uses
Granicus technology to broadcast their public meetings online
and to automate meeting minutes and agenda creation. iLegislate is just one more way for the city to improve legislative efficiencies and respond faster to
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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