Sponsor: Information Services
Title
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2021 Information Technology Portfolio Planned Investments and Funding Approach
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Recommendation
recommendation
None. For information and discussion only.
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Background and Rationale
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Since 2005, Ramsey County has allocated funds through the Information Technology Portfolio (ITP) to upgrade technology in order to provide greater efficiencies and improved service delivery to residents and other customers. This allows the county to invest in high priority IT projects each year. Projects can span multiple years and the funding is set aside to reflect the life of the project. The Technology Governance Committee continues to plan for future years for IT spending.
In 2021, the upcoming ITP request includes the traditional request for funds to support our systems but also includes an additional request for one-time funding for large technology projects. Both of these requests for board action are a part of a strategic approach to technology-enabled investment.
Large technology projects, including modernization and replacement of systems, are necessary as part of an overall strategy for Information Services. The annual ITP process is meant to sustain, enhance and upgrade systems but is not the right mechanism to make large multi-year, transformational change. At certain times, when finances allow and needs are high, we will ask for one-time funding above and beyond the ITP annual funds to invest in large transformative technology changes such as Health and Wellness modernization. These projects will cost millions of dollars over multiple years and are foundational in nature.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Assessing racial equity impact is now integrated in the ITP process. Once approved, projects in the ITP include a focus on helping the County build the well-being, opportunity and economic prosperity of our residents and businesses including certified small business enterprises (CERT), minority-owned businesses (MBE) and minority women-owned businesses (MWBE). The ITP process supports projects that will address Racial Equity and Community Engagement within the county. Racial Equity is at the core of the Residents First program and will be a key measure of success over the life of the program.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Community engagement will be included from the early stages of these strategic initiatives, influencing design and implementation. Engagement may include participation in developing the requirements of the technology systems to assure they meet the needs of the community, as best possible. Second, during the solicitation process, the project teams will be evaluating proposals which may include criteria for certified small business enterprises.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
This request has no fiscal impact.
County Manager Comments
This policy Request for Board Action (RBA) and associated presentation material provides the strategic foundation for the upcoming ITP funding RBA planned for board approval on June 8, 2021.
Last Previous Action
On March 10, 2020 the County Board authorized the expenditure of up to $10,000,000 for Information Technology projects. (Resolution B2020-057).
Attachments
1. ITP Funding Overview presentation.