Guadalajara, JA dramatically weeds out corruption with new licensing system
The City of Guadalajara launched a new licensing system (Visor Urbano) aimed at reducing corruption by increasing transparency and streamlining processes for businesses. The Visor Urbano program is an open-source, fully customizable digital platform that streamlines the issuance of construction licenses and business permits—making the process efficient and transparent.
Guadalajara, JA
Mexico
Scottsdale, AZ develops interactive online resource for short-term rental licensing compliance
The city's daily checks for current registration, liability insurance, and neighbor notifications are mapped in this resource. Users find markers for every known short-term rental in the city categorized as passing minimum requirements, not meeting requirements, or application in progress. Each marker features property information including the owner, emergency contact, and license number. There is also a quick guide about reporting violations like excessive noise and commercial use.
Scottsdale, AZ
United States
Leeds City Council, GB designs alcohol licensing data matrix for postcode-level licensing decisions
City officials identified data limitations in curbing anti-social behavior and health issues related to alcohol consumption. The licensing and public health units collaborated on an easy-to-use matrix for licensing decisions. Seventeen data sets covering areas like deprivation, alcohol-related hospital admissions, and looked-after children offer fuller pictures than crime statistics. Licensing committee members rely on the matrix when deciding on off-premises alcohol licenses.
Leeds City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Rushmoor Borough Council, GB works with other councils on digital licensing system for taxi drivers
The borough's existing process requires considerable personnel time on calls and emails with licensees. Rushmoor received £138,150 from the Local Digital Fund for a shared pilot with Hart District Council, North Tyneside Council, and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Partner councils will identify areas of alignment in licensing as they create a digital system for licensing applications and renewals. This pilot will evaluate improvements to applicant experiences and license enforcement.
Rushmoor Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
North Tyneside Council, GB
United Kingdom
+2Basildon Borough Council, GB bolsters ranks of licensed taxi drivers with Earn as you Learn pilot
The borough approved the nine-month pilot in response to a shortage of licensed drivers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earn as you Learn trainees receive extended time and council support for required topographical assessments of local streets. Participants who pass criminal background checks and driving assessments can work for private taxi companies before full licensure. The Licensing Committee and the Taxi and Private Hire Forum will evaluate results for a potential extension of the pilot.
Basildon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Philadelphia, PA Permit Navigator pilot improves services for residential and commercial applicants
SmartCity PHL focused attention on commercial storefront projects and residential renovations for the pilot. Permit applicants enter their project type, location, and additional details into an online form. A running list of required permits is built based on each user's input. The Permit Navigator also estimates permit fees to avoid surprises during the application process. User feedback will shape future iterations of the tool if it is approved for expanded use.
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Clark County, NV streamlines air quality permitting process with Online Mineral Processing Tool
Clark County's Department of Environment and Sustainability built an online worksheet for estimating mining emissions. The previous process resulted in inaccurate and inconsistent estimates for the full spectrum of mining equipment deployed across the county. The Online Mineral Processing Tool offers easy-to-use menus and automated calculations for air quality permits. This upgrade reduces staff time, improves the user experience, and maintains consistent standards across all applicants.
Clark County, NV
United States
Rochford District Council, GB increases ranks of licensed taxi drivers with Earn as you Learn
The pre-pandemic process required the completion of training and testing before drivers earned fares. Earn as you Learn allows drivers to carry passengers and earn fares while completing licensing requirements. This program pairs trainee drivers with experienced mentors and provides ongoing oversight by the council's licensing officers. Trainees must complete Earn as you Learn requirements within nine months of receiving their temporary badges.
Rochford District Council, GB
United Kingdom
Clark County, NV simplifies business licensing and taxation processes with Accela collaboration
Clark County found burdensome tax and licensing processes for hospitality businesses with multiple tenants. Cloud-based tools from Accela create a single invoice and registration process for easier business compliance. The new system will be customized for simple migration of business records and integration with existing processes. County officials anticipate future use of Accela technology for cannabis and autonomous delivery businesses.
Clark County, NV
United States
Boone County, KY streamlines business licensing and occupational tax processes with GovOS portal
County officials selected the GovOS platform to simplify payroll, net profit, and other tax payments by 20,000 payers. Platform users complete tax documentation with help from auto-filled information across forms. Staff resources previously used on manual review can be deployed elsewhere thanks to automated audits, extension requests, and balance management. The system helps Boone County improve the collection of taxes and fees representing half of its general fund budget.
Boone County, KY
United States
North Lincolnshire Council, GB raises housing standards with Decent and Safe Homes scheme
Council officers conduct inspections and leasing process reviews of participating properties. Successful applicants display their DASH accreditation online and at their properties similar to restaurant sanitation grades. North Lincolnshire Council offers discounted licensing fees for properties that pass the DASH process. This approach promotes well-maintained properties and focuses council enforcement efforts on substandard housing.
North Lincolnshire Council, GB
United Kingdom
Houston, TX improves efficiency for Animal Enforcement Officers by requiring microchipping for pets
The Houston City Council approved an ordinance requiring all pets be microchipped within a year. A pet owner's license and rabies vaccination data will be matched to the microchip eliminating the use of metal tags. This change will allow BARC Animal Enforcement Officers to scan and return a pet to its owner while the officers are in the field, eliminating the need to bring the animal back to the shelter for intake.
Houston, TX
United States