Why Technology Indicators?

That information technology impacts our community is clear. Technologies are evolving rapidly. Computers and the Internet are changing the way we live, work, learn, participate and play. Studies show people are getting computers and hooking up to the Internet, but not all sectors of our community have had sufficient access, knowledge or the resources to fully participate in the information age. The gap between information rich and poor has been termed the digital divide and some studies have shown this gap to be growing. How the digital divide gets defined is critical to how the gap is measured. These indicators grew out of an intent to ensure our residents have adequate opportunities to participate fully in the information age.

Quality civic participation requires residents to have electronic access and be sufficiently technology fluent. In Seattle, we have linked our work on the digital divide with the broader, more positive concept of developing a technology healthy community.

The City and people of Seattle want to build a technology healthy community where information and communication technology:

• enhances our local economy
• furthers educational opportunities
• is applied to solving social issues
• is used to foster civic participation
• promotes relationship building and commmunity development
• supports the sustainability of our quality of life
• is equitable and affordable

These indicators will serve as signposts to measure our progress. It is our hope and intent that these indicators will inform, spark public dialogue, educate strategic planning, focus programs and encourage effective resource allocation.

The Information Technology Indicators Project is part of the City of Seattle Department of Information Technology Community Technology Program in cooperation with the volunteer Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB).

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