Officials with the San Antonio Public Works Department rolled out digital dashboards, which they said will keep residents better informed about the various SAPWD-managed projects.
The background
According to a news release, the dashboards cover a range of projects, including streets, drainage, parks and facilities. Overview pages allow users to filter projects by type, phase and status.
The dashboards also include interactive and searchable maps detailing all 2017 and 2022 bond-funded projects as well as most nonbond-funded projects undertaken by the city, the release stated.
Additionally, the dashboards offer contact information of public works department staffers who can answer residents’ questions or concerns about any project, the release stated.
The dashboards’ designs and functionalities were tested with input from residents, business owners, City Council district staffers and city personnel.
Public works staff also created individual pages for all 2022 bond projects at www.saspeakup.com. These pages, accessible via the bond projects dashboard, offer details about each project, from construction timelines to project costs as well as a feedback form and the ability to register for email updates.
What they’re saying
City officials said the new public works dashboard is designed to further promote transparency regarding routine street maintenance and major projects.
Local officials acknowledged criticism they have received over the handling of specific bond-supported infrastructure projects, namely the rebuilding of North St. Mary’s Street, an initiative that some neighborhood business owners said caused economic hardship for them and traffic headaches for area residents and visitors.
“[The dashboards] align with our goal of transparency and enhance the ways we share information about our vital infrastructure and construction projects,” Public Works Director Razi Hosseini said in a statement. “We are committed to continually improving this tool and welcome feedback from our residents and stakeholders. It is essential for us to meet the needs of our community through such innovative technologies."
