In this SlideShare I've listed 5 areas of consideration to help inform you of the issues and benefits of either a Centralized or Decentralized GIS Program.

1. MuniGovGuy.com

2. Areas of Consideration
Key points to address whether implementing or changing GIS organizational
models
1. Management
2. GIS Staffing
3. GIS Vision, Standards, and Policies
4. Funding
5. GIS Innovation View Full Article

3. Management Considerations
Does a Manager as a champion exist or do you need to
hire a GIS Manager?
The GIS Manager can help keep the GIS progression
alive and in line with the organizational GIS Vision.
View Full Article

4. GIS Staff Considerations
Departments participating in a decentralized model can individually
manage their GIS effort by growing and/or reducing staff levels
based on their needs.
A centralized GIS model with pooled staff enables cross training of
data maintenance tasks which is especially useful when GIS needs
aren’t high enough for full-time GIS departmental staff.
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5. GIS Vision, Standards, and Policies
It’s important that a consistent set of GIS standards and policies are
established and refined across an entire organization that
adheres to the organizational GIS Vision.
By establishing a GIS Advisory Group or Committee that meets on a
regular basis can generate and enforce the GIS standards and
policies.
View Full Article

6. Funding
Where the funding is coming from has a big
contribution on which GIS organizational model is
implemented.
Possible funding sources include the General Fund,
Processing Fees, and Service Charges.
View Full Article

7. GIS Innovation
Starts from a Vision to solve a problem or improve a process
Communication with IT is required on Innovation Projects
Some cities like the City of Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach
have chosen to create an Innovation Group on top of a
decentralized GIS
With an Innovation Group, many departmental lines are crossed to
break down the data silos and workflows to improve efficiency
View Full Article

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