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Technology isn't just changing how people watch cat videos and communicate every day. It's changing how they live and govern in our towns and cities.
Provo is a beaming example of just how much technological advances can improve the lives of Utah residents. Mayor John Curtis spoke about how Provo has adopted and integrated technology to make the city a better place to live and work.
1. Energy automation
A big change underway in Provo this year is the installation of automatic electric and water meters. Now, instead of sending out meter readers and waiting to get an energy bill each month tracking consumption, residents can get online to see their energy use in real-time.
This is a big deal for the university city where a large percentage of residents are students. With automated meters, when students move away, the city can remotely turn off the power to their houses until the next person moves in.
Mayor Curtis estimates that Provo will have 100 percent installation by the end of 2017, saving the city and taxpayers money.
2. Power plant replacement
Another advance for city energy will come with the replacement of the Olmsted Hydroelectric power plant at the mouth of Provo Canyon. Construction is ongoing through July 2018, but upon completion, the plant will produce about 12 MW of power per hour - enough to supply nearly 3,000 homes.
With this update, the power plant will produce 1/100th of the emissions as the historic plant.
3. City software updates
A big project the city is working on is improving city software. Mayor Curtis explains, "We're in the middle of completely revamping the city software. Over the years as we adopted software we had a different program for everything we did. Some were developed in-house, some were purchased and none of them worked well together. Now we're installing a new system that will run the entire city."
Where each function and department operated on its own systems, one main program will be adopted and integrated for seamless communication between offices and easy data access.
4. Free Google Fiber internet
This year marks the fourth anniversary of Google Fiber integration in Provo, a feature that made national news and has become a big advantage for local residents.
Fiber cables were installed years ago to support a city network. However, Mayor Curtis explained, lack of funds and resources led to the system remaining untapped by the city until officials landed talks with Google.
Mayor Curtis helped push the deal forward, earning residents seven years of free internet service from Google Fiber with the option for a paid upgrade.
According to a recent Community Impact Report from Google Fiber, the digital divide in Provo has been reduced by almost 50 percent, and more than 90 percent of Provo households are connected to the internet, making Provo one of the most connected cities in the nation.
5. Social media
Perhaps one of the most noticeable changes in recent years has been the city's (and mayor's) embrace of social media. Mayor Curtis has put that technology to use to improve public communication, interaction and understanding of the city's public departments.
You can find regular updates about city news and events on his blog, Provo Insights, sign up for the city newsletter, or find info on the different departments and offices on the Provo City website.
But technology isn't just about updated websites. The mayor has also embraced social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and even Snapchat.
"We just love technology," he said. "Whatever we see we want to try and be early adapters."
This has made Mayor Curtis and Provo government more accessible, likable and relatable to its residents. Skeptical? Just watch Curtis' recent career day music video.
6. Online surveys
Social media isn't the only technology improving communication in government. The city has also teamed with Qualtrics to do online real-time surveys of residents.
The benefit, Mayor Curtis says, is actionable data.
"If there's an issue coming up, like a council meeting, we can get updates on local responses and use that feedback to make decisions," he said.
That means in Provo one's voice can make a real and immediate impact.
From energy developments to social media, Provo has made big strides in technology to improve government and the lives of its residents.
For more reasons to love Provo and the many fantastic cities across Utah, visit the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
Read more from the Utah League of Cities and Towns on DeseretNews.com or visit their website at ulct.org.