BTMs and ARC-GIS and MPIC, Oh My!
of Revenue), ChatGPT (Chat generative pre-trained transformer … ugh, give me the acronym), MPIC (Municipal Property Insurance Company … by the way, Happy 10th Anniversary, Blair!), and of course, AI (Artificial Intelligence). These are just a sampling of the new technologies being incorporated into the local government world. Our cities and villages are timely reflections of the citizens, institutions, and businesses within them; we change at the pace of society. And society is being reformed by technology. These articles, by experts in their field, will help you understand what’s coming, and see how these new technologies will benefit … and sometimes threaten … your citizens. Enjoy. Jerry P.S. Yes, it’s true. I’ve informed the League board that I intend to retire at the end of August 2026. The board has begun a lengthy transition process that you’ll hear more about as time moves along. And you’d better believe I’ll have a few more things to say before next August. You’re not done with me yet!
One of my many quirks that League staff have to endure is my obsession with acronyms, those first-letters-turned- into-words-only-insiders-know. (I tried turning that into an acronym, but FLTIWOIK sounds like something a droid on Star Wars would have said.) Acronyms are modern shorthand that we use to identify a new concept, idea or thingamahickey that either didn’t have a name or has a name that nobody wants to take the time to say (although saying “polyfluoroalkyl substances,” instead of PFAS does make me feel like I’m singing something from Mary Poppins…). I object to acronyms because they confuse communications. Too often, acronyms separate people into two groups; “those who know,” and those who don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Used improperly, they sow confusion. I proudly admit that I am the Don Quixote of acronyms. I’m a goofy individual fighting a losing battle that the rest of the world doesn’t even think is a battle, and I’m losing. But I’m having a good time along the way! Despite my crusade (dare I say my “Impossible Dream”?), I have to acknowledge that acronyms are a fact of life in this fast-changing world. New ideas, concepts, technologies, and ideas are being introduced into our work and our communities so fast that there isn’t even time to come up with names for them, so we name them by acronym. This month’s issue of The Municipality is chock full of acronyms. We talk about AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure), BTM (Bitcoin Automated Teller Machines), GIS (Geographic Information Systems), DOR (Department
Jerry Deschane , Executive Director, League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Contact Jerry at jdeschane@lwm-info.org
The League appreciates the support of the following Business Leaders
For more information, contact Zach Vruwink: zvruwink@lwm-info.org | (608) 267-3294
The Municipality - October 2025 | 3
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