Chandler recognizes the importance of providing infrastructure and services that support the implementation of technology and sustainable initiatives to meet the unique needs of our community.
Electric Vehicles
2022 saw an increase in the City's electric vehicle fleet and charging stations.
Add Electric Car Charging Stations to City Facilities
One solar powered electric vehicle car charging station was installed at the Fleet Services facility for use by vehicles undergoing maintenance. Four additional electric vehicle chargers have been installed at City facilities to charge the City’s electric vehicle fleet.
Purchase Hybrid/Electric Vehicles
City’s fleet consists of 26 hybrid vehicles and 8 electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Charging Feasibility Study
Chandler is participating in Maricopa Association of Governments regional effort to conduct a regional electric vehicle car charging feasibility plan.
Construction Codes
The Chandler City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission added stipulations to have wiring for charging stations added at new developments. The codes also was updated to allow case by case approval of permeable pavers in lieu of asphalt.
Energy Savings
In partnership with private utilities, Chandler is developing a strategy for increased power production at City facilities from solar and/or renewable sources with a goal of lowering operating costs.
Energy Audit
Chandler is conducting energy audits of City-owned buildings with the highest electrical uses to specifically focus on building mechanical systems and their controls. The EnergyCAP upgrade allows staff to develop interval data and custom reports to identify utility cost avoidance opportunities. Facilities also are being reviewed for conversion to LED/touchless lighting.
LED Street Light Conversion
Chandler operates and maintains more than 28,000 street lights along City streets. About 10,000 of those are LED lights. The Chandler City Council awarded a contract in late October to convert the remaining 18,000 street lights to more energy efficient LED lights during 2023.
Innovations Spotlight
Huddle Spaces
Chandler Public Library’s new Huddle Spaces offer high-tech collaboration. More than a meeting room, Huddle Spaces offer state-of-the-art tools to support collaborative work. Each room is equipped with white boards, wireless keyboard, large displays, connections for multiple laptops and devices to share ideas. In addition to software that is available on all Library computers, the workspaces feature popular video conferencing software like Zoom, WebEx, BlueJeans, and Skype.
Cryptocurrency
Through a partnership with InvoiceCloud and PayPal, Chandler began in 2022 to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option for utility bills. Customers who have Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin connected to their PayPal account can use their cryptocurrency when making a utility bill payment. The crypto option will automatically display as a payment method in PayPal Checkout if there is a sufficient balance of cryptocurrency to cover the payment amount. PayPal then converts the funds to dollars to issue payment to the City.
StateRAMP
Chandler became the first municipality in April 2022 to utilize StateRAMP, which helps improve cybersecurity for governments nationwide and ensure our cloud service providers are meeting security requirements. This is the first, important step to streamline the process and improve public safety and cybersecurity to protect digital services and residents’ data.
Communications Facilities
Fiber Master Plan
Chandler initiated the first phase of upgrades to City's fiber infrastructure through a series of 17 projects during the next five to seven years. Completed the Dobson Road field verification project from Price Road and Innovation Street to Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard.
Wireless Infrastructure
Communications services for Chandler businesses and residents were improved by approving three fiber optic telecommunications licenses for fiber-to-the-home companies, renewing three existing microcell licenses, approving additional new microcell towers and completing 48 small wireless facility builds.
Data Centers
The Chandler City Council approved a data center ordinance amending the zoning code related to the location and operation of data centers in Chandler.
Technology and Process Enhancements
Converted manual processes to automation for a more efficient workflow that fulfills internal department and customer requests.
- Converted court documents and prosecutor's office records to implement electronic processes and record storage
- Created City Clerk records portal and Boards and Commissions agendas and appointment processes
- Consolidated the Utility Billing and Solid Waste Services call centers and updated the Lab Information Management System for laboratory water testing
- Implemented data analytics automation for the data warehouse
Implemented technology enhancements to support mobility and efficiency solutions.
- Collaboration mobility through Office 365 and collaboration conference rooms
- Digital transformation/automation - fleet management solution, HR/payroll and water utility system upgrade
- Customer services - Smart downtown parking garages, public records requests, appointment services and virtual programs