Provide open data, balance decisions and initiatives, and create equitable policies.

Smart communities don’t wait for someone to deem them smart; they take action. State and local governments worldwide have taken that first step using geographic information system (GIS) technology. Applying GIS to planning and urban design, public works operations, and racial equity and social justice has helped meet citizens’ needs and improve government operations. And with advancements in smart technology, location intelligence for state and local governments is not just for GIS specialists.

More informed, data-driven decisions lead to improved outcomes that can be shared and replicated in other communities, helping citizens and government collaborate for the common good. Building a Smarter Community: GIS for State and Local Government shows how government leaders in cities, counties, and states have applied GIS for improved planning, operations, and civic inclusion.

In this collection of case studies and guidance to get started, learn how GIS:

• Helped planners visualize affordable housing patterns in Honolulu, Hawaii
• Radically changed stormwater management practices in Salinas County, California
• Improved easy access to city data, initiatives, and services in Coral Gables, Florida
• Supported minority-owned business during the COVID pandemic in San Rafael, California

Web apps, GIS hubs and dashboards, and other GIS solutions help state and local governments develop a deeper understanding of the communities they serve within a real-world context. Sections on getting started with GIS provide helpful ideas, strategies, tools, and actions and a collection of online resources to jump-start your use of GIS for state and local government.

Discover how GIS and location intelligence support state and local government decisions and citizen participation in Building a Smarter Community.

Christopher Thomas is the director of Government Marketing at Esri. He is a subject matter expert in government, technology, geographic information systems, marketing, and global business development. His books include GIS for Decision Support and Public Policy Making, Standards for Success: GIS for Federal Progress and Accountability, and Building a Smarter Community: GIS for State and Local Government. Keith Mann is a principal content strategist for Esri Press. He is a writer, developmental editor, and contributor to books, such as the GIS for Science series and the Applying GIS series of books, including Delivering Water and Power, Building a Smarter Community, Moving Forward, Valuing Place and Purpose, and Designing Our Future.