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Beacon Performance Management: How Seattle IT Built a Custom Performance Management Tool Amidst Constraints

September 1, 2026

In January 2025, the City of Seattle decentralized employee performance management. Seattle IT saw an opportunity to build an in-house solution that was cost-effective, optimized for our department’s business rhythm, and customized to support our departmental goals. The Service Design team was brought in to support the effort, seeking to strike a balance between functionality and simplicity.

Filed Under: Service Design, Tech Talk

Technology Matching Fund Spotlight: Helping Rainier Valley Small Businesses Go Digital

August 26, 2026

Small businesses are the heart of Rainier Valley, but a growing digital divide has made it harder for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs to reach new customers, keep up with technology, and stay competitive. That’s why the Rainier Avenue Business Coalition used funding from Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) in partnership… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Digital Equity, Funding, News, Tech Talk, Technology Matching FundTagged With: , , , , ,

City of Seattle’s Racial and Social Equity Index Honored with Special Achievement in GIS Award

August 21, 2026

SEATTLE, WA — The City of Seattle’s Racial and Social Equity (RSE) Index has received the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from Esri. The award was presented at the 2026 Esri User Conference and recognizes organizations that use GIS in innovative ways. The City demographer, in the Office of… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Civic Technology, Digital Government, News, News release, Tech TalkTagged With: , , , , , ,

Technology Matching Fund Spotlight: Building Digital Confidence for DeafBlind Adults

August 18, 2026

Many DeafBlind adults in Seattle depend on technology every day, but most digital tools are built for people who can see or hear well. Staff at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. saw this problem up close. The gap in digital access made it harder for community members to stay… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Community Technology, Digital Equity, News, Tech Talk, Technology Matching FundTagged With: , , , , ,

Automating HR Leave and ADA Requests at Seattle IT

August 14, 2026

Seattle IT is launching a new series highlighting some of the innovative projects shaping how our department delivers services across the city. Each installment will offer a behind-the-scenes look at various teams’ work, the challenges they’re tackling, and the solutions they’re building to improve experience for staff and the communities… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News, Service DesignTagged With: , , ,

FIFA Fever Hits Seattle IT: Inside Our First-Ever In-Office World Cup 

July 28, 2026

When the world’s biggest soccer tournament came to Seattle, our team decided to bring a little of that magic into the office. The result? Seattle IT FIFA Fever, our first-ever in-office competition, and honestly, something none of us will forget anytime soon.  Why We Did It The 2026 FIFA World Cup meant… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News

Keep cool and stay safe with the City of Seattle Heat Safety webpage

July 21, 2026

People in the Seattle area are uniquely vulnerable to hot weather. Because the region has historically experienced mild summers, homes and businesses often lack cooling systems. To help area residents during heat waves, Seattle IT launched a webpage for heat safety on the City of Seattle’s website at https://seattle.gov/heat. The City of… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: NewsTagged With: , , , ,

Visualizing Technology Matching Fund Outcomes With GeoData

July 16, 2026

Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) is one of the city’s most important investments in digital equity. Each year, TMF supports community projects that help people build digital skills, get devices, and connect to the internet. These projects tackle the gaps found in the 2024 Technology Access and Adoption Study. How… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Community Technology, Digital Equity, Funding, News release, Tech Talk, Technology Matching FundTagged With: , , , ,

Seattle Fire proposes new technology for fire, medical, and rescue responses

July 16, 2026

The Seattle Fire Department is proposing to add up to three drones to its fleet of emergency response apparatus. The Emergency Response Aerial Technology – or ERAT – would be used in a limited number of fire, medical or rescue responses where having an aerial view would provide greater safety… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Tech TalkTagged With: , ,

Seattle’s New Digital Accessibility Policy: Furthering Our Commitment to Inclusive Services 

July 7, 2026

As Seattle welcomes local communities and visitors from around the world this summer for 2026 FIFA World Cup events, we’re reminded how important it is to be a City that includes everyone – regardless of their background or abilities. People rely on City websites, blogs, mobile apps, online forms, maps, videos, and social media to find information and access services…. [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Digital Government, News, Tech TalkTagged With: , ,