Find Posts By Topic

Posts categorized under Tech Talk Archives - Tech Talk

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

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.

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

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 ]

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

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 ]

Technology Matching Fund Spotlight: Building Digital Confidence for DeafBlind Adults

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 ]

Visualizing Technology Matching Fund Outcomes With GeoData

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 ]

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

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 ]

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

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 ]

Seattle Channel takes home three Emmy Awards

Seattle Channel won three awards at the 63rd annual Northwest Regional Emmy Awards on Saturday, May 30.  Seattle Channel videographer and producer Chris Barnes was recognized twice, receiving Emmys in the Human Interest – Short Form Content and Editor categories for his Art Zone profile on Georgetown creative and community leader Larry Reid. Seattle Channel freelancer Michael Crowe also was honored with an Emmy in the Short Form Content… [ Keep reading ]

Powering Care: How Seattle IT Made This Year’s Clinic a Tech Success

Behind every successful patient visit at this year’s clinic—where more than 3,100 individuals received care—was a robust technology foundation. The Seattle IT Device Support team provided end-to-end IT support, managing everything from patient intake systems to specialized medical technology. This large-scale, free pop-up clinic offers dental, vision, and medical services… [ Keep reading ]

Seattle Channel Celebrates 11 Regional Emmy® Nominations

The Seattle Channel has been honored with 11 Emmy® nominations from the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, including a nomination for Overall Excellence. This prestigious category highlights the exceptional quality and breadth of the Channel’s programming, as well as the team’s steadfast dedication to… [ Keep reading ]