Apps that Improve Service, VR that Teaches, and Tech that Saves Lives

A MACo Summer Conference session gives an overview of the ways technology can expedite and enhance government service, and even save lives.

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Delegate Morgan, Assistant Minority Leader in the Maryland House of Delegates, and himself a techie, moderated a panel on technology and government at MACo’s Summer Conference.

Representatives of State agencies, county governments, and libraries shared some of the ways that they are using technology to support and improve government service.

Cal Bowman, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor fo the Maryland Governor’s Office of Homeland Security shared perspective on technology and government, including challenges that innovators face, and also the fast-moving realities of today’s world.

Christine Nizer, Administrator of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration described how the MVA is becoming a One-stop Government Center which allows residents not only to address MVA needs, but also other to-dos from partner agencies including:

  • E-ZPass
  • TSA Pre-Check
  • DNR vessel registration

Nizer also shared a partnership with new drunk driving detection technology in vehicles that is on display at the Convention Center during the MACo Conference.

Patrick Callahan, GIS Manager for the Prince George’s County Office of Information Technology share how they are collecting data through PGLitterTRAK that can be reported toward environmental goals. He also shared a Fire/EMS program that helps encourage local contributions toward smoke detector purchases in their community through a mapping database.

Andrea Berstler, Executive Director of Carroll County Public Library shared how an augmented reality program is allowing children and others to learn about historic sites in her county who wouldn’t otherwise be able to travel there. She also spoke of how the library breaks down barriers to technology through Pepper, the library robot.