Michigan Digital Summit Connects State and Local Government

Technology Experts
Contact: Caleb Buhs, DTMB, 517-241-7422
Agency: Technology, Management & Budget


September 10, 2014


Technology leaders from state, county, city and township government came together for the
12
th
annual Michigan Digital Government Summit at the Lansing Center during the past two
days. The conference serves as a strategic tool for managers, executives and policy makers in
government technology.
"This event provides a great platform for discussions on the emerging role of technology in the push
for better government, said David Behen, Department of Technology, Management and Budget
director and chief information officer for the state of Michigan. No other event provides this level of
information or this climate for interaction across the various levels of government.
The summit features speakers and panelists from the public and private sectors, including experts
from federal and state government, law enforcement and leading IT corporations.
As part of the summit, special recognition awards were given to individuals and organizations who
advanced technology efforts in government in Michigan.
Best IT Community Engagement Bill Vajda, Marquette City Manager
Marquette City Manager Bill Vajda has championed the effort to transform the city from a largely
natural resource based economy to a thriving economic hub in Michigan. He has worked tirelessly
to cultivate a robust ecosystem that brings together people, place and technology. His
accomplishments include coordinating public-private partnerships, establishing relationships
between the state and Northern Michigan University to create a development center and revitalizing
the waterfront to make it a destination.
Customer Service Partnership Award MDOT and DTMB
The Michigan Departments of Transportation and Technology, Management and Budget have a long
history of partnering but recently recognized an opportunity to enhance their collaboration. The two
agencies began an initiative in May of 2013 to identify those opportunities and solutions resulting in
the creation and implementation of a comprehensive supplemental to the partnership agreement
already in place. The large-scale effort and included many dedicated team members from both
agencies.
The new agreement led to more defined roles and responsibilities, increased cost transparency and
timely resolutions of issues. The increased customer service strengthened the relationship between
the agencies.
Best IT Collaboration DCH, DHS, DTMB
Governor Rick Snyder and the state of Michigan kicked off enrollment for the Healthy Michigan Plan
on April 1, 2014, expanding healthcare coverage to nearly half a million Michigan
residents. Implementation of the new program required collaboration between numerous
stakeholders, with the Michigan Departments of Community Health, Human Services and
Technology, Management and Budget taking the lead.
In less than three months, enrollment expectations were exceeded for the first year. On average,
enrollees experienced less than a one-minute wait time on the phone and received eligibility
determination in less than 30 minutes when applying in person at DHS offices.