NOVEMBER 2025 19GOVERNMENT CIO OUTLOOKsecurity and privacy. Start with a cloud-first approach to free your team from maintenance burdens, then reinvest that capacity into digital transformation projects.Equally important is executive and community engagement--technology cannot succeed in isolation. Finally, invest in your people: provide dedicated training time, foster cross-departmental learning, and offer platforms like our AI Playground where staff can safely experiment with new tools. Transformation isn't just about technology--it's about empowering people to use it effectively.Cloud-First ModernizationAt Tamarac, innovation is not a buzzword--it is embedded into operations. Under Twigger's leadership, the City has embraced a cloud-first strategy, systematically migrating systems to Cloud-based Environments and SaaS platforms. This approach reduces legacy risk, improves scalability, and enhances resilience. Major milestones include the launch of the cloud-based Amazon Connect Omni-Channel Call Center, a cloud-based Electronic Plan Review system, and SkyNav, an AI-powered mixed-reality tourism platform, which brings residents and visitors immersive virtual tours powered by AI trip planning. These initiatives reflect Tamarac's commitment to blending cloud and AI to deliver practical benefits.AI in ActionTwigger has positioned Tamarac at the forefront of artificial intelligence in government. The Amazon Connect Call Center integrates AI to power a 24/7 Virtual Assistant, providing real-time, multilingual, and accessible support to residents. Internally, Amazon Q serves as an intranet-based digital assistant, enabling natural language searches of City policies and procedures to boost staff productivity. These initiatives reflect Twigger's vision that AI should both enhance constituent service and empower employees.Culture of InnovationTamarac's success lies not only in technology but also in its internal culture and leadership support. Twigger emphasizes building relationships, learning from peers, testing proofs of concept, and embracing flexibility. The City's executive team plays a key role in fostering this environment, encouraging IT to take calculated risks and remain open to change. By continually researching new technologies and updating Tamarac's living IT Strategic Plan, Twigger ensures the City adapts in real time as innovations emerge.Regional CollaborationTwigger has also advanced Tamarac's role as a regional technology partner. Through Inter-Local Agreements, the City provides turnkey IT support to the Town of Southwest Ranches, hosts online government solutions for Dania Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, and Lauderhill, and delivers technical infrastructure for the Broward Sheriff's Office. These collaborations save costs, expand digital equity, and strengthen collective resilience across South Florida.Workforce DevelopmentInnovation requires talent. Tamarac invests heavily in training and workforce development. Training is more than optional--it's prioritized. Staff are given protected work hours to complete certifications and training modules, reflecting the City's commitment to continuous professional growth without adding to personal time demands. Beyond IT, Tamarac created an AI Playground for all employees, allowing them to experiment with generative AI and develop comfort with emerging tools. The City is now expanding AI/GenAI training to its Executive Team and managers to align digital innovation with leadership vision.Responsible GovernanceBalancing innovation with responsibility, Twigger led the adoption of a Centralized Data Governance Framework, covering classification, privacy, and stewardship. This ensures that emerging tools like IoT, AI, and Digital Twins are deployed with accountability, transparency, and public trust.A Vision for the FutureTamarac's innovation pipeline includes a Digital Twin proof-of-concept and IoT-enabled Smart Parks, and even a Metaverse pilot project. These forward-looking initiatives showcase Twigger's ability to prepare Tamarac for the next generation of civic technology.ConclusionJames Twigger's career reflects a balance of experience, vision, and leadership. With over 27 years in IT, 19 in government, and a record of driving responsible digital transformation, he continues to shape Tamarac's future while influencing the broader South Florida tech community. His leadership shows that when culture, vision, and technology align, local government can truly become a model for innovation. Transformation isn't just about technology--it's about empowering people to use it effectively.
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