Exemplary Systems in Government Award

Application deadline May 12th!

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Subject: For Immediate Release: URISA ESIG Award Deadline is May 12, 2008
For Immediate Release
URISA's 2008 ESIG™ AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

April 16, 2008 (Park Ridge, IL) – The application deadline for URISA’s prestigious Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Awards is rapidly approaching. Submissions must be received by May 12, 2008 to be considered. The awards recognize exceptional achievements in the application of information technology that have improved the delivery and quality of government services. Applications may be submitted in two categories, Single Process and Enterprise Systems.

SINGLE PROCESS SYSTEMS - Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of applying information system technology to automate a specific SINGLE process or operation involving one department or sub-unit of an agency. The system application results in extended and/or improved government services that are more efficient and/or save money.

ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS - Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of using information systems technology in a multi-department environment as part of an integrated process. These systems exemplify effective use of technology yielding widespread improvements in the process(es) and/or service(s) involved and/or cost savings to the organization.

Applications must be submitted by May 12, 2008. Winners in each category will be recognized at URISA's 46th Annual Conference, October 7-10, 2008 in New Orleans. For more information or to review last year's winning submissions, visit <http://www.urisa.org/awards/esig> or call (847) 824-6300.

Wendy Nelson
Executive Director
URISA

California Senate Bill Threatening GIS Data Access (AB1978) Withdrawn

Dear Colleagues,

I have received word that Assemblymember Solorio has "dropped" AB 1978 from consideration by the Government Organization committee, which effectively kills the bill. His office said that due to "new developments" on the bill, Solorio "has decided to not push it forward," so "it's not going to go anywhere."

This does not mean that the backers of this attempt to limit and confuse the public's right to its governments' data (as guaranteed by the California Public Records Act) would not try to advance their objectives through other means. So, we will stay vigilant, and hope that you will remain responsive, if the need again arises.

Many thanks to those who sent a letter to Asm. Solorio's office expressing opposition to the bill. Undoubtedly, this influenced his decision to withdraw. Thanks, also, to those professional organizations that are in the process of preparing a statement of opposition. Please remain responsive and vigilant.

Grateful appreciation is due to the GIS press (especially, Directions Magazine, GIS Cafe, GeoSpatial Solutions, POB Magazine, GeoPlace, and GIS Monitor) and the mainstream press (Orange County Register and S.F.Bay Guardian) for informing our community about this important issue.

Enjoy the sunshine, and stay alert!
Bruce Joffe
Open Data Consortium
GIS Consultants

New Jobs Posted

Five new Job Openings were just posted on the Jobs page.

April Board Meeting at CalGIS

Going to CalGIS? Interested in being more active in the SoCal group? Then join us at the SoCal URISA Board Meeting at the CalGIS Conference on April 24th at noon.

We will be in the Magnolia Room - BYBL (Bring Your Box Lunch!).

7 New Job Postings

Just posted seven new job openings - two of them have a close application deadline!

(don't forget, the SoCal URISA site will be off line this weekend)