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Seattle Information Technology

Seattle recognized as a leader in sustainable electronics procurement

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The City of Seattle has been recognized as a 2020 EPEAT Purchaser Award winner, which celebrates leaders in sustainable electronics procurement. The award comes from the Green Electronics Council (GEC), the nonprofit organization that manages the EPEAT ecolabel. EPEAT stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool.

EPEAT allows the Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) to efficiently address the lifecycle impacts of the electronics we purchase, including computers, displays, printers, copiers, mobile phones, servers, and televisions.

The EPEAT Benefits Calculator helps organizations demonstrate the impact of their sustainable IT procurement decisions using familiar metrics like reduction in energy use, greenhouse gases and solid waste, as well as cost savings. 

The total impact reductions and cost savings over the lifetime of 6,192 EPEAT-registered products purchased by the City in 2019 is estimated at $185,935 with the environmental impact reductions equivalent to taking 260 cars off the road for a year, the annual electricity consumption of 163 average U.S. households, or the weight of 41 refrigerators or 119 elephants.

The below infographic provided by GEC further illustrates the environmental and cost benefits associated with Seattle’s EPEAT-registered purchases.

Infographic illustrating the environmental and cost benefits associated with Seattle's EPEAT-registered purchases.

“It is an honor to have received this recognition,” said Saad Bashir, Seattle’s Chief Technology Officer. “Seattle IT is committed to the continued procurement of sustainable electronics. Sustainable purchasing protects both our workers, reduces loads on our landfills, conserves energy, and supports a sustainable electronics supply chain.”

The City uses EPEAT in purchasing contracts to require that our vendors only provide electronics that meet strict sustainability criteria. These products are more energy efficient, less toxic, longer lasting, and easier to recycle than products that do not meet EPEAT criteria while addressing labor and human rights issues along the entire supply chain. Buying these sustainable products moves the City closer to achieving our goals of reducing carbon pollution, championing environmental equity, and growing sustainable communities.

Community Technology Advisory Board welcomes new members

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The Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB) recently welcomed new members: Camille Malonzo, a software engineer at Microsoft; Dr. Lassana Magassa, a recent doctorate degree recipient in information science from the University of Washington’s Information School (UW iSchool); Brandon Lindsey, a nonprofit and educational consultant; and Dr. Tyrone Grandison, a technologist, scientist, researcher, and social good advocate.

CTAB is comprised of 10 volunteer members – six appointed by the Mayor and four appointed by the Seattle City Council – who serve in an advisory capacity to help guide citywide decision making around issues of community-wide interest relating to information and communications technology. Issues are referred by the Mayor and Councilmembers or come from community input.

In addition to its ongoing focus on digital equity and inclusion, the board’s priorities include strengthening relationships within City government to advance Seattle’s technology agenda, which this year has focused on the role of technology in the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CTAB is engaging with Seattle Public Schools and The Seattle Public Library around improving technological connectivity for residents and working to expand access to quality health care via telemedicine.

Portrait of Camille Malonzo
Camille Malonzo

In her role at Microsoft, Malonzo is currently focusing on building features, privacy, and compliance for the OneNote and Sticky Notes applications. Previously, she worked on OneDrive/SharePoint and the front-end experience of the Windows operating system. She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Mount Holyoke College, where she is a member of the Board of Trustees. Malonzo also serves as an innovation board member of the nonprofit Advancement for Rural Kids and as a conference organizer for the AnitaB.Org Seattle chapter for women in computing. She is committed to continuously learning, advocating, and advancing work at the intersection of technology and community organizing, particularly in endeavors that advance social justice. Malonzo is an at-large member appointed by the Mayor.

Portrait of Lassana Magassa
Dr. Lassana Magassa

Magassa recently graduated from the UW iSchool, where he completed his Ph.D. with a focus on digital literacy and worked on issues related to how underrepresented people are affected by technology policy and their access to and use of digital technology. That work led to the creation of the Diverse Voices method, a novel approach that prioritizes the viewpoints of experiential experts in the policy making process. Magassa’s current work explores the digital literacy levels of people recently released from incarceration and their transition to a tech-driven society. He serves in an education position on the board appointed by the Mayor.

Portrait of Brandon Lindsey
Brandon Lindsey

Lindsey, a consultant with a focus on digital literacy and equity, has a master’s degree in intercultural service leadership and management from the School for International Training. He recently completed a data science intensive with Galvanize, a leading education provider in the fields of software engineering and data science. He managed Seattle Goodwill’s digital literacy initiative and led the implementation of a culturally appropriate ESL iPad program. Lindsey, a parent of children in Seattle Public Schools, has a passion for data science and digital equity in youth and historically underserved communities. He serves in the public access position appointed by the Mayor.

Portrait of Tyrone Grandison
Dr. Tyrone Grandison

Grandison brings more than two decades developing and deploying data-driven, impact-focused, people-centered products and services that improve the lives of under-represented, and often ignored, American communities. Grandison is the board chairman of the Data-Driven Institute and advises several startups on the best ways to utilize community insight, data, and technology to craft, create, implement, and iterate on programs, products, and policies that solve their most pressing problems. He earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Imperial College London. Grandison is an at-large member appointed by the City Council.

Board members are appointed to a two-year term which can be renewed for one additional term. To learn more about CTAB, visit their website.

New online water outage map provides customers with real-time information

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No one likes to experience a water outage at their home or business. Even a short time, being without water to drink, shower, cook or wash our hands can be a hardship. 

While Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) works around the clock to maintain one of the most reliable drinking water systems in the nation, outages still happen, sometimes unexpectedly. 

To keep customers informed, the Seattle Information Technology Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) team partnered with SPU to develop a new online water outage map.

“The water outage map is driven by GIS technology, which represents the digital record of the City’s land base and utility networks, including the water and sewer systems,” said Harvey Arnone, interim GIS/CADD section manager for Seattle Information Technology. “The map-centric tools delivered by the project include the outage map for public consumption and the shutdown tools used by SPU staff to identify, manage and publish planned and emergency outages. These shutdown tools bring timesaving benefits to SPU through automated identification of outage areas and by supporting SPU’s customer notification workflow.  In addition, the web-based outage map keeps SPU’s customers informed and reduces the call volume to SPU’s call center.”

Water pipes can break or leak, causing a sudden shut down of water services. When that happens, the water may be off for several hours while crews make the emergency repair. 

Necessary maintenance and upgrades to the water system can also require that water be temporarily turned off for hours to allow planned work to occur. For these types of outages, customers are provided with advanced notice. 

But regardless of the type of outage, customers want to know: 

  • When will my water be back on? 
  • Are my neighbors out of water too?
  • How many customers are affected? 
  • What should I expect when my water is restored? 

These questions and more can now be answered in real time by visiting the outage map. 

Up-to-date information for both planned and emergency water outages in the City of Seattle are displayed on the map and shown as a list for those who prefer an alternate (non-map) format. 

Customers can search for an outage in their neighborhood, zoom in to the properties that are impacted, and pull up information about the status of the outage – including when water is estimated to be restored, what caused the outage, and how many customer accounts are affected. 

Thankfully water outages are rare for most people in Seattle but when they do occur, Seattle customers now have a new way to receive timely and accurate information to help them manage the disruption.

Note: Customers can still call SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at
(206) 386-1800 to get information about and report a water outage. 

City of Seattle, Comcast invest $100K to address digital equity

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Reprinted from Seattle Office of Economic Development‘s Bottom Line blog

The City of Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) has launched the Digital Bridge pilot program to equip low-income job seekers with free laptops and broadband connectivity. This pilot program is a partnership with Comcast, Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT), Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School, and InterConnection. 

Digital Bridge is a part of the City’s commitment to achieve digital equity for residents who face barriers to accessing technology and are not connected to the internet. The Digital Bridge program is designed to offer job seekers the digital tools and skills they need to access online job training and career pathways in growing local industry sectors.  

Digital Bridge was developed in response to the coronavirus recession, which has triggered job losses particularly impacting people of color, younger workers, refugees and immigrants, and the housing insecure. Through this pilot, participants of various workforce development programs provided by SJI will be equipped with computers and a connection to the internet to complete their training programs, which are now offered remotely due to COVID-19, and apply for job opportunities. 

“Having a computer and internet is the vehicle for career progression, and connects individuals to resources, health care, and community.” said Bobby Lee, director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development. “Digital Bridge is prioritizing its resources for low-income earning individuals and BIPOC individuals who lack an internet connection and access to the technology and digital skills necessary to obtain gainful employment in our economy.” 

Comcast has contributed $50,000 to purchase 200 refurbished laptops from InterConnection, a computer reuse and recycling nonprofit which is partnering with SJI to refurbish and distribute computers to job training participants. InterConnection will also provide ongoing technical support. 

“As technology continues to advance and become a daily part of so many industries, more people need the digital skills and connectivity to thrive in this employment environment. Now more than ever they need our support to cross the digital divide,” said Rodrigo Lopez, regional senior vice president of the Comcast Washington region. “Our company plays an important role in helping people stay connected and we are pleased to do our part. We also know that internet service is essential to everyone and are working hard every day to ensure that our network is helping both businesses and residents across our community stay connected.” 

The first cohort of 20 program participants received the first set of refurbished computers on July 6. The computers give participants access to the Virtual Healthcare Institute online learning platform and the Intro to Healthcare Apprenticeships (IHAP) program offered by SJI. SJI partners with OED to offer technical and performance skill trainings that lead to careers in our economy’s growing sectors. Participants in the cohort are 100 percent POC—95 percent of which identify as Black/African American, 30 percent are refugees or resident immigrants, 30 percent are young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, and 25 percent are housing insecure.  

“Digital Bridge launched at a critical time as SJI’s workforce programs moved to virtual delivery during COVID-19 social distancing,” says Kathleen O’Leary, SJI’s interim assistant director of programs. “With community centers and libraries closed to the public, our program participants were using mobile phones to try to participate in our programs. Providing computers, internet connectivity and basic computer skills will unlock opportunities and provide access to essential services that our participants would otherwise not be able to reach.” 

OED has modified its existing contract with SJI by investing an additional $50,000 to evaluate and track all operational steps and activities associated with providing digital resources to program participants who lack access to technology and a connection to the internet when public resources, such as libraries, are not available. This operational evaluation is in addition to the trainings and wrap around services SJI is offering. 

TASCHA has been awarded a research grant from the University of Washington Population Health Initiative to “investigate key questions related to the program design, implementation, and participant experience to increase the understanding of participants’ needs, implications for future program design, and the impact on those who received services.” At its conclusion, this project will not only support job training participants, it will also demonstrate and evaluate effective methods for providing equitable IT access and serve to inform a much larger, scalable campaign to connect individuals to the internet in order to bridge the digital divide for thousands of unemployed residents. 

“Everyone needs home broadband, a reliable device that meets their needs, and support to build digital skills,” says Stacey Wedlake, research analyst and coordinator at TASCHA. “The Population Health Initiative grant allows us to investigate how a unique program like Digital Bridge can support individuals’ employment goals and offer insights for other groups wanting to offer similar services.”  

The “digital divide” is the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and a connection to the internet and those who do not. COVID-19 has exacerbated this disparity as a portion of the workforce with access to technology and a reliable internet connection has easily transitioned to remote work, while those without access have been further disconnected. 

According to 2018 data, 25 percent of Seattle households making less than $50,000 in income do not have internet access in their place of residence. These households also represent the highest unemployment insurance claims to date. Workers who are now unemployed due to COVID-19 and lack the technology and an internet connection are experiencing the greatest impact of the digital divide that predates our current crisis. 

Seattle IT manages the City’s Digital Equity Initiative, which includes the Technology Matching Fund – one of the longest local government-supported digital literacy initiatives in the nation – and other targeted grants to further digital equity. Seattle IT also promotes free and low-cost internet for individuals and organizations and free and discounted computers and other devices. 

“While a device alone will not solve the vast inequalities that affect people of color and underserved communities, a reliable internet connection, technology skills, and access to a computer are critical to economic opportunity,” said the City of Seattle’s Chief Technology Officer Saad Bashir, who leads Seattle IT. “The coronavirus crisis has emphasized how important it is that we invest in digital equity for all our communities. Seattle IT is pleased to serve as a partner and provide technical assistance to this pilot project with its strong focus on execution and outcomes.”  

As the City and economic development partners navigate the impacts of COVID-19, addressing the digital divide will continue to be a part of its recovery strategies to help displaced workers reattach to the economy  in growing industry sectors and build a Seattle economy that is equitable and inclusive.  

City of Seattle invests $320,000 to improve digital literacy, access to technology

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Verizon Foundation contributes additional $25,000
to help bridge digital divide

The City of Seattle today announced the recipients of the 2020 Technology Matching Fund. With an investment of $345,000, 15 organizations will receive funding for community-led projects which aim to increase access to technology and provide digital skills training for underserved communities.

The grants range from $12,490 to $25,000, and organizations have pledged a total of $360,000 to match City dollars with at least 50 percent in cash or in-kind contributions of labor, professional services and donated hardware and software.

Youth participate in a Somali Family Safety Task Force program funded by the Technology Matching Fund.

“The dual crises of COVID-19 and systemic racism in our region and our country are bringing into sharp relief the continued need for meaningful, intentional investments in our low-income communities and communities of color. More and more, our communities are relying on access to the internet and digital literacy skills to engage with their communities and make their voices heard. More than ever, it is crucial that we are investing in digital equity for all our communities,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “In addition, important tasks like applying for assistance or jobs, accessing healthcare, participating in online learning, and communicating with our loved ones have all moved online. These investments will build digital literacy, further technology equity and create opportunity for our historically underserved communities, making for a more inclusive, just city.”

This year’s recipients include a program offering technical training for the Eritrean community, including helping youth access academic resources and seniors stay connected; a workforce development training bootcamp for STEM educators and youth leaders; a supportive housing provider establishing computer access for its formerly homeless residents; an organization offering mobile device literacy instruction for hundreds of low-income adults; an immersive filmmaking experience for youth; a program for young women to explore coding and STEM careers; and an organization that provides adaptive technology for children with disabilities.

Technology Matching Fund grants are distributed annually as part of the City’s broader Digital Equity Initiative and managed by the Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT). Funded projects improve connectivity and provide devices and technology support to communities that might not otherwise have equitable access, including immigrants, refugees, homeless people, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities.

Literacy Source, a Technology Matching Fund recipient, helps the one in six adults in Washington state who are lacking the basic literacy or language skills necessary for self-sufficiency. 

“The current COVID-19 crisis has changed our ways of interacting and connecting, magnified disparities in our community and emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide,” said Seattle City Councilmember Alex Pedersen, chair of the Council’s Transportation and Utilities Committee, which includes oversight of Seattle IT. “Improving access to and adoption of technology to achieve digital equity is a major commitment of mine, and I look forward to seeing how this and other investments will open pathways and improve access to education, job training and other vital services.”

The Technology Matching Fund was created in 1997 and has since awarded more than $5.7 million to organizations, funding more than 350 community technology projects. The grants are funded through the city’s cable franchise fees and contributions from community partners such as Facebook, which invested in matching fund projects in 2017 and 2018. This year, the Verizon Foundation contributed $25,000 to broaden the reach of the City’s $320,000 matching fund.

“At Verizon, our goal is to develop a hyper-local focus in our communities to further bridge the digital divide and have meaningful social impact. We are continually looking for ways to engage with Seattle communities to better meet their needs,” said Azmeena Hasham, executive director of community engagement at Verizon. “The City’s Technology Matching Fund is a tremendous resource for our local communities to expand access to digital technology solutions. It provides a robust framework to source and select the best ideas, while encouraging new ideas to take root. By partnering, these synergies allow us to more comprehensively serve the needs of our Seattle communities. We truly appreciate this opportunity to participate in the 2020 Technology Matching Fund.”

The Technology Matching Fund awards up to $25,000 to non-profit organizations in Seattle for digital-equity projects. The City of Seattle’s Community Technology Advisory Board recommended the funded projects from a competitive pool of 41 applicants, which submitted proposals prior to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, Seattle IT staff will work with funded organizations that may need to offer their programs or services virtually or in a different format than originally planned and will adjust timelines and some requirements for requesting awarded grant funding.

“While Seattle is a connected city, technology gaps persist. We are continuing to make strides so that all residents can benefit,” said Seattle’s Chief Technology Officer Saad Bashir. “Together, with a diverse group of community partners, we’re committed to closing the digital divide.”

Below is a list of the 2020 Technology Matching Fund recipients. Read more about the projects here.

  • 206 Zulu, Coolout Academy Digital Literacy Program
  • Boys & Girls Club of King County, Bringing Technology to Northgate Girls & Boys Club
  • Empowering Youth and Families Outreach, Computer Station Upgrade & Youth Laptop Provision
  • Eritrean Association of Greater Seattle, Digital Equity and Advancement Project
  • Filipino Community of Seattle, FCS Innovation Learning Project
  • First Place, The Diversity S.T.E.M. Training Program
  • Garinagu HounGua, Garifuna Technology Literacy
  • Literacy Source, Basic Digital Literacy in North Seattle
  • Low Income Housing Institute, Sand Point Cottage Community
  • PROVAIL, Adaptive Technology Lending Library
  • Seattle Goodwill Industries
  • Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Education Mobile Youth Workshops
  • Somali Family Safety Task Force, Somali Digital Access and Literacy
  • Year Up Puget Sound
  • Young Women Empowered, Y-WE Code

To learn more about the City of Seattle’s commitment to digital equity and the Technology Matching Fund, go here.

Seattle IT launches new mobile app for restaurant takeout map

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A new mobile app version of the City of Seattle’s #SupportPugetSoundSmallBiz map, a popular regional interactive map connecting residents with takeout and delivery options during Washington’s stay-at-home order, is now accessible via iOS and Android.

Seattle Information Technology’s Geographic Information System (GIS) team launched the free mobile app to allow swift access to the map which allows users to search for small businesses near them and find operating hours, contact information and customized links for delivery services.

After launching a Seattle-specific map in late March, municipalities from across the region reached out to Seattle IT and asked to participate. Mayor Jenny Durkan last month announced the expansion of the map. It now includes nearly 3,000 restaurants across Puget Sound, including more than a dozen cities in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Municipalities worked with their local economic development organizations to add restaurants to the map, which is also available in a screen-reader accessible version for users who are blind or have low vision.

Since it went live, the map has logged nearly 278,000 visits, and during the first two weeks in May has averaged 1,400 views per day. 

“At a time when we’re all feeling the stress and negative impacts of COVID-19, it is extremely inspiring to work in an organization where so many have pivoted to the new shared focus of responding to this crisis,” said Harvey Arnone, Seattle IT’s GIS/CAAD applications development manager.

Many restaurants offering to-go food during the coronavirus pandemic will continue to offer takeout as Washington’s economy slowly reopens. Dining rooms will remain closed until at least May 31. If public health data looks favorable, most of Washington’s 39 counties could begin the second phase of the governor’s four-part statewide reopening plan on June 1, which would allow restaurants to restart some dining.

Seattle IT continues to partner with municipalities across the Puget Sound to populate the map with businesses. To help ensure quality and consistent data, IT has created an internal map and survey that business owners can use to enter their information. If you are a business owner and want to be added to the map, please email at supportsmallbiz@seattle.gov for instructions.

The City has also created a comprehensive resource page for residents and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The page is updated as more information becomes available.

Internet and wireless providers pledge to make it easier to access broadband amid coronavirus crisis

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The Federal Communications Commission recently introduced a broadband and telecom industry measure called Keep Americans Connected pledge. The 60-day pledge, announced March 13, calls on telecom companies to help people remain connected amid the coronavirus outbreak. 

So far, virtually every major company in the U.S. broadband and telecom businesses, including those in Seattle, has committed to the pledge:

  • Not terminate service to residential or small business customers because of inability to pay bills due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Waive any late fees that residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  • Open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Carriers have also offered additional support. Here’s an overview:

AT&T  is waiving wireless overage charges for data, voice and text for residential or small business.

CenturyLink is suspending data usage limits.

Comcast paused data plans for 60 days giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge. New customers that are qualified low-income households can receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which includes an internet speed increase to 25 Mbps for new and existing program customers.

Sprint is waiving activation and upgrade fees as well as offering free next-day shipping for upgrades and new phone orders. Customers with metered data plans will receive unlimited data per month for 60 days. Customers will also receive an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days at no extra cost.

T-Mobile is offering current customers with data plans unlimited smartphone data for 60 days (excluding roaming). Customers will also receive an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot/tethering service. The offer applies to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers.

Verizon has introduced new affordable plans for low-income households, waived over-limit fees, and increased wireless customers’ data allowance by 15GB through April 30.

Wave is waiving internet data overage fees for customer charges incurred in March and April and increasing its Simply Internet low-income service speed to 18Mbps for all new and existing Seattle customers.

For more specific information on your service provider’s offerings, contact their customer service team or visit their website. Also, be sure to contact your service provider directly with any service issues or payment hardships related to COVID-19.

A decade of open data, test your knowledge of Seattle data

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On average, how many 911 calls were placed per day in Seattle in 2019? What was the most popular name of dogs licensed? Which direction do most bikes travel on the Fremont Bridge? You don’t have to look far to find the answers.

Since the launch of the City of Seattle’s open data program in 2010, the open data portal has served as a wealth of information, giving residents insight into how the City is operating and empowering them with a rich source of information spanning more than 500 datasets, each ranging in size from a few dozen spreadsheet rows to several million rows.

For the 10th annual International Open Data Day on March 7, our open data team is marking the occasion with a fun data quiz. You can make educated guesses or dive into some of the City’s most popular datasets for answers.

In 2016, an executive order created an official open data policy directing City departments to make their data accessible to the public after screening for privacy, security, and quality considerations. The move set in motion a long-term cultural shift making Seattle a leader in open data and a model of transparency and accountability.

For instance, Seattle was the first in the nation to publish 911 dispatch data in near real time.

Some datasets have a unique origin. The Seattle Public Library’s dataset “checkouts by title” captures every check out dating back to 2005. The source is an electronic installation and public artwork at the Central Library that has tracked more than 100 million records of checkouts to date. The most popular titles? Children’s books finished in the top three: “Are You Ready to Play Outside?” by Mo Willems (10,007 checkouts), Dr. Seuss classic “Green Eggs and Ham” (9,959 checkouts) and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle (9,942 checkouts).

Seattle Animal Shelter data reveals the City’s reigning top dog is a Labrador Retriever. It’s top toy breed coming in at number three is a Chihuahua, exceeding the national ranking by 30 spots!

Open data is more than just a window into interesting city information and operations, it’s a valuable tool that over time can tell a story that has the potential to impact and influence public policy. The open data portal includes data across a wide range of topic areas, including traffic flow, public safety and city permitting.

The open data program makes the data generated by the City openly available to the public for the purpose of increasing the quality of life for our residents; increasing transparency, accountability and comparability; promoting economic development and research; and improving internal performance management. Open data also powers tools hosted on the City’s website such as Open Budget, Performance Seattle, and the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Capital Projects Explorer

Seattle launches open archive of City’s social media networks

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Social media has transformed civic engagement. Cities like Seattle are using social media to share information, engage with residents, and deliver services more quickly and effectively than ever before – but accessing past social media content can be a challenge.

Detailed searches of the City’s social media sites are now possible through a centralized, free and open portal powered by ArchiveSocial, which works with hundreds of government agencies and private companies to capture and archive information shared on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

This new social media archive lets you relive some of your favorite moments from City history, like Kitty Hall, the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory parade, or Seattle’s farewell to the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Accessible on the Seattle Municipal Archives’ website, the archive captures social activity – posts and comments – going back to the City’s very first posts, creating a comprehensive set of records. The archive is in beta as additional City accounts are added.

“While all content on the City’s social media platforms is considered a public record, searching for it can be tedious,” said Michal Perlstein, who leads Seattle IT’s Public Engagement Services team, which works with City departments to improve public-facing digital communications. “Wouldn’t it be great to enter search terms and get the social media results you’re looking for instead of manually sifting through the vast amounts of data across the City’s social media accounts?”

The archive features more than 223,600 (and counting) publicly searchable posts, photos, and videos compiled from 114 City of Seattle social media accounts – from parks, to public safety, to public utilities, to public officials.

“By implementing a social media archive, we’re bringing increased usability and transparency to the City’s digital communications,” said Perlstein. “The archive also helps the City comply with records retention policies and streamlines responses to public information requests.”

Seattle Information Technology’s Public Engagement Services team has been leading an effort to streamline the City of Seattle’s social media presence. The process has included standardizing the visual identity across dozens of City department accounts, updating policies, and launching the social media archive.

The archive is another tool that helps advance Seattle’s commitment to providing greater transparency into its data. The City also maintains an open data portal; a web analytics dashboard; and Performance Seattle, a centralized dashboard designed to track the progress of major City initiatives across seven priority areas.

Seattle IT helps power giant free health clinic at Seattle Center

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Stephen Burke, Seattle IT desktop support technician, is marking his sixth year creating a complex online network to power and connect the Seattle/King County Health Clinic, a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center, Feb. 13 to 16. The volunteer-driven event provides free dental, vision, and medical to anyone who struggles to access and afford healthcare. 

This year, Burke started from scratch. And he is embracing the challenge. In the past, the mobile clinic was held at KeyArena, which is undergoing an overhaul and is unavailable. So Burke shelved his carefully constructed network blueprints for the arena and this year crafted a new plan to span the clinic’s three Seattle Center venues: McCaw Hall, Exhibition Hall and Cornish Playhouse.  

A man holding a spool of string walks next to a long table with technology equipment.
Stephen Burke, Seattle IT desktop support technician, prepares technology to help power the Seattle/King County Health Clinic at Seattle Center. Photo: Auston James

While Burke estimates he spends about a month preparing, he efficiently executes his plan over the course of two days.  

“We will need to invent a network on the go,” said Burke. “I have a team of volunteers to help.”  

Not all volunteers have an IT background, but under Burke’s guidance they get the job done. In addition to building a network of wires that bring power and internet connectivity to the clinic, Burke and a staff of about five will be on hand during the clinic to provide technical support.  

Seattle IT loaned the clinic 62 computers –  about 25 of which are used for patient registration – and Microsoft provided another 12 computers. 

“The expectation of technology is huge. One of our responsibilities as techs is to have the technology working all the time, every time,” Seattle IT Device Support Manager Ivan Balbuena told Seattle Channel in a segment that was part of a recent CityStream program featuring the clinic along with a documentary, “Stronger than Medicine,” which offers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the event. 

“A lot of volunteers, like the physicians, bring their own laptops to work with at the clinic,” said Burke. “I troubleshoot to fix any issues they may have as well as all donated and borrowed technology equipment that is used for the clinic.” 

Technology is the backbone of the well-organized clinic which has served 20,000 patients, provided $17 million in direct services, and engaged 17,000 volunteers since it began in 2014. 

“Seattle IT is critical to the successful operation of Seattle/King County Clinic. The clinic uses a wide range of technology, from X-ray and ultrasound equipment, to registration systems and remote interpretation devices,” said Seattle/King County Clinic Project Director Julie Colson. “The equipment and systems come from an equally wide array of sources that are unaccustomed to working together. With only two days to set up, thanks to the expertise and support of Seattle IT, all of the technology is integrated and operational allowing us to serve over 3,000 patients during the four-day clinic.” 

Although Burke could unplug from the massive operation, the compassion and sense of community the clinic inspires is contagious and keeps him on the job. 

“I have 32 years in with the City but I’m not going to retire until the clinic moves to the new arena,” said Burke. “Then I will consider it.” 

To learn about the clinic, including patient information, go here.