TIGARD, OR -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Mar 16, 2009 -- Tigard, Oregon has launched Accela Automation® from Accela, Inc. to streamline its land use processes and improve the quality of service provided through its Community Development department. The more user-friendly, easily accessible system makes information and services available to the public via the Internet and supports staff in efficiently tracking and managing more than 5,000 annual permits related to building, planning, code enforcement, and engineering.
Tigard transitioned from a classic Accela product to the Web-based relational database environment of Accela Automation to help coordinate community planning processes and administration of the Community Development Code as it relates to land development, park planning and development, and building plan review and inspections.
"Our city's Comprehensive Plan calls for coordinated, efficient, and accessible public services as a vital component in maintaining a safe and dynamic community," said Tigard Building Official Brian Blalock. "Accela Automation provides the technology and tools for enabling and engaging government and citizens to work together in support of our common interests."
"Tigard has consistently been a leader in utilizing the best technology available to serve its citizens and development community," said Maury Blackman, Accela president and CEO. "Now, with their transition to Web-based technology, the city can expect to realize even more significant gains in economic development and competitiveness."
Additional Accela applications were also launched to enhance the functionality of Accela Automation solutions to facilitate sharing of GIS information from a centralized database, provide residents with the ability to apply for and obtain permits online, and support field staff in working more efficiently from remote locations:
Accela GIS™ seamlessly integrates with Accela Automation to provide powerful real-time visual analysis to enhance land use, zoning, and infrastructure data. It allows creation of multiple map layers, automated map analysis, parcel and asset inventory management, direct editing of GIS data or files, and auto-distribution of information to mailing lists. It is built on the ArcIMS™ platform by ESRI®.
Accela Citizen Access™ provides real-time, direct access via the Internet to agency permit and land management activities. Online permit applications can be configured to allow citizens and businesses access to apply and pay for permits, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit or inspection, or print an approved permit directly from the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accela Wireless™ is a mobile government software application that allows government staff to perform their jobs from the field for inspections, code enforcement, work orders, and service requests. Optimized for Intel Centrino® Mobile Technology, Accela Wireless is compatible with PDAs, laptops, and Tablet PCs running on the Microsoft Pocket PC 2003, Windows Mobile 5, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating systems.
Tigard is one of more than 30 cities and counties in Oregon utilizing Accela products. In September of last year the state of Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services' Building Codes Division entered into a 10-year contract with Accela to provide software for its statewide e-building program.
About Tigard
Tigard is located 10 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon in Washington County and is considered a part of the Portland metropolitan area. Incorporated in 1961 and covering approximately 11.7 square miles, Tigard has a population of 46,300 residents who have embraced the city's motto, "A Place to Call Home." For more information, please visit www.tigard-or.gov/.
About Accela
Accela provides innovative, Web-based enterprise software solutions that automate land, permit, and asset management processes for local, state, and federal government agencies of all sizes. Backed by nearly 30 years of development and implementation in more than 500 agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, Accela products and services empower agencies to increase efficiencies, reduce workload, and provide citizens and businesses with more convenient access to government services. Accela is located in San Ramon, Calif. Accela products can be purchased directly from the GSA Schedule Contract #GS-35F-0249R. For more information, please visit www.accela.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Deborah Papp Accela, Inc. 925-659-3244 Email Contact