City’s GIS Coordinator Honored with GIS for Everyone Award
The City of Traverse City’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, Jerry Swanson, has been awarded the GIS for Everyone Award from IMAGIN. The IMAGIN GIS for Everyone Award is presented to an organization/individual that seeks to make GIS data or analysis accessible to other organizations and/or the public, and that strives to disseminate, share data, and make spatial data available to everyone.
Swanson joined the City in 2018 as GIS Coordinator. The role collaborates with a number of departments to provide internal and external resources. In the last year, Swanson was instrumental in launching a public facing interactive Capital Improvement Plan map and he worked closely with City Communications to host a “map hub” on the City’s website. Swanson also works closely with City Engineering, Planning and Zoning, and Asset Management to provide data resources to implement projects and programs, and maintain current operations city-wide.
"I am very honored to accept the GIS For Everyone Award at the annual IMAGIN Conference. Whether working with the Assessor's Office, Planning and Zoning, Asset Management, or Communications, providing valuable data to stakeholders and citizens helps foster transparency and connection to our citizens," says Jerry Swanson, GIS Coordinator.
Each year, four awards are presented at the IMAGIN annual conference. In addition to the prestigious GIS for Everyone Award, Swanson was also honored with the Best Cartographic Design for the development of the City’s Hickory Hills Trail Map.
“Jerry is a collaborative team member who is always willing to assist with developing resources to improve communication efforts and transparency on City services, programs, and initiatives. He deserves this award for his talents and dedication,” stated City Clerk, Benjamin Marentette.
IMAGIN is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 to establish a statewide forum in Michigan to advance the use of geographic information systems and spatially referenced information. The organization provides professional development organization for those who are using, creating, or maintaining spatial resources within Michigan.