Why A Local Government Focus?

The focus of the GAASC is to accomplish IT/GIS tasks and projects based on the common needs of local government. Based on past experience, one of the difficulties we have experienced with GIS organizations relates to the diversity of the organizational environments having differing perspectives and sometimes conflicting goals and objectives. As a result, there has been a lot of GIS meeting activity throughout the state, with very little real lasting product to show for it, specifically as it relates to the administrative aspects of GIS.  Although we value the diversity of the GIS community, staying focused and on-task is the primary reason why this organization was established to have a voting core of active membership to be based on the common needs of city and county IT/GIS.

I Am Not a Local Government Administrator – Can I Join and Participate?

Realizing that much of what we plan to accomplish will be of benefit to geospatial managers outside of the local government environment, and the fact that the mission of the organization will benefit by interaction and support from managers outside government, we established the level of sustaining memberships. Sustaining members participate in nearly all activities of the organization with the exception that they do not posses the power to set the direction or focus of the organization.

Our intent is not to appear so exclusive, but there are reasons behind why we are taking the local government focus. Other GIS/IT managers from organizations such as local utilities, COG’s, and even state government are expressing a desire to be part of this organization and we welcome them to participate as a valuable member in a non-voting status. So, the point is that if you are interested in joining us, we would be delighted for you to do so.

What Makes GAASC Different From Other Organizations?

• Our intent is for every member to participate. Most have 5% presenting and 95% watching. If you are not contributing to the collective good of the community, you should question the validity of your membership in an organization.
• Quality, not quantity is our focus. We would prefer our membership to consist of a hand full of those who will get things done rather than large numbers that only support big conferences.
• The organization exists to empower you and your agenda as a Technology manager, not the other way around.
• We will measure success by how many more tools or resources you will have to draw from as a manager that was not available to you a year ago.
• Our bi-annual meetings are not intended to be the high points of activlty, but rather check points.  They serve as landing strips to present project deliverables and launch pads to engage new project teams.