• Visualize the Future: GIS mapping simplifies complex planning concepts and supports more strategic decision-making. • U se Real-Time Data: Platforms like Placer.ai provide actionable insights into how spaces are used, helping attract businesses and improve public spaces. • D igitize Processes: Moving permitting and internal workflows online enhances efficiency and transparency for both staff and the public. Looking Ahead As technology continues to evolve, so too will the tools available to planners and economic developers. West Allis remains committed to exploring new innovations that support its mission of building a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community. By embracing data, enhancing engagement, and streamlining operations, the city is not just planning for the future – it’s actively shaping it.
historic West Allis Farmers Market. Insights into where visitors come from, their demographics, and their travel routes before and after visiting the market have helped the city better understand and serve its residents and visitors. This real-time, location-based data provides a dynamic view of how people interact with the city, enabling more responsive and targeted planning strategies. Streamlining Internal Workflows As part of the city’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, all departments have adopted OpenGov, a digital permitting and plan review system. This shift has significantly reduced paper use, accelerated approval timelines, and improved transparency. Applicants can now submit plans online, track their progress, and receive feedback electronically – making the process more efficient and user-friendly. Internally, staff use collaborative platforms like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint to manage projects, share documents, and coordinate across departments. This has enhanced communication, reduced duplication of effort, and allowed for West Allis’ approach offers valuable lessons for other municipalities looking to integrate technology into their planning and development processes: • Meet People Where They Are: Use online tools to complement traditional engagement methods and gather richer, more complete feedback. quicker responses to development inquiries. Takeaways for Other Communities
Steve Schaer , Director of City Planning, City of West Allis. Contact Steve at sschaer@westalliswi.gov
Patrick Schloss , Economic Development Executive Director, City of West Allis. Contact Patrick at pschloss@westalliswi.gov
Dash Cameras as Data Tools: West Allis Leads With Smarter Fleet Technology
Let’s explore how a cross-departmental approach turned a liability tool into a platform for smarter fleet operations. From Liability Protection to Operational Strategy The project began as a legal safeguard. Following a recommendation from the city attorney, West Allis initially piloted portable dash cameras with SD card storage, hoping to reduce liability exposure from false claims. But the limitations became clear: retrieving footage required staff intervention, file sizes dictated access, and the system created inefficiencies rather than eliminating them. Recognizing the need for a more robust solution, the city assembled a cross-departmental evaluation team – representatives from IT, Fire, Public Works, and the City Attorney’s Office. This group treated the dash camera question not as a single-department purchase, but as an enterprise-level technology decision.
The Municipality - October 2025 | 12
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