A small core group of individuals is rapidly advancing work on the number one recommendation appearing in the recently-released statewide GIS strategic plan, Wisconsin Location Matters.
The plan, developed under the direction of the WI Land Information Association, says the most significant factor for achieving Wisconsin’s strategic goals will be through more effective coordination. Further, the plan recommends that action be taken to improve program coordination and technical collaboration among GIS stakeholders by creating a statewide coordinating body, the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council (WIGICC).
Planning group needs your input
The group working on developing the coordination council concept is lead by Dave Mockert, State Geographic Information Officer. The group recently completed in-depth research on the formation, structure, membership, and function of councils in eight other states, and based on this research, has proposed two distinct models for how the Wisconsin council might be structured.
With basic background research complete, the group is now turning its focus to developing plans for five upcoming “listening sessions.” These sessions are open to anyone, and are intended to gather ideas and feedback for developing the scope, composition and structure of the WIGICC.
All of the five sessions will be led by Harry Webne-Behrman, an experienced professional facilitator. Each session will include a very short introduction to GIS for those who may not be familiar with the technology, an introduction to the council concept, followed by several small break-out sessions to gather input on council structure, duties, and composition.
All material gathered from the listening sessions will be compiled for input at a “summit meeting” that will be organized this summer to develop a draft WIGICC proposal. Another comment period and a final hearing on the proposal will be conducted by early fall 2007, leading to WIGICC implementation recommendations for the Governor.
The vision of the WIGICC’s responsibilities, when established, will be to promote and implement other goals appearing in the statewide strategic plan. These include:
- Improving coordination of geospatial activities in Wisconsin
- Supporting effective and efficient data development and maintenance in public agencies at all levels of government
- Fostering a service-oriented environment to meet the needs of all stakeholders
- Pushing for continued and well-directed funding from a variety of sources
- Promoting understanding and use of a wide variety of geospatial technologies
More information and documents associated with the WIGICC proposal may be viewed online at http://www.sco.wisc.edu/wigicc/. Watch the Mapping Bulletin and WIGICC sites for listening session registration information and additional details as they develop.