Published: November 6, 2024
LocalGov Drupal (LGD): A Digital Public Good Transforming Government Services
LocalGov Drupal is the epitome of the principles of a Digital Public Good.
A post on LinkedIn from Paul Johnson last night compelled me to write this blog post about LocalGov Drupal as a Digital Public Good.
LocalGov Drupal (LGD) is a groundbreaking, open-source platform designed specifically for local government digital services. Built on the Drupal content management system (CMS), LGD enables municipalities to offer more accessible, efficient, and community-centered online services. This platform is not just an innovative tool for local governments; it also embodies the principles of a Digital Public Good (DPG) - a designation formally awarded to Drupal itself in 2023.
Let’s explore why LocalGov Drupal qualifies as a digital public good, its roots in the Drupal ecosystem, and how it empowers local governments to serve communities more effectively.
What is a Digital Public Good?
A Digital Public Good (DPG) is defined as software, content, data, or standards that meet specific criteria for accessibility, quality, openness, privacy, security, and relevance to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DPGs are created to be freely accessible, enabling people and institutions globally to leverage them for social good. By making powerful technologies available as public goods, DPGs promote equity and digital inclusivity.
Drupal was formally recognized as a DPG in 2023, affirming its commitment to these principles. This recognition strengthens the status of any system built upon Drupal - like LocalGov Drupal - by association.
LocalGov Drupal (LGD): Built on Open Principles
LGD is a platform tailored for local government use, allowing municipalities to manage and present their digital content in a way that’s responsive, easy to navigate, and accessible to all. By leveraging the flexibility and scalability of Drupal, LGD addresses a critical need in government technology: the ability to deliver digital services that are user-focused, inclusive, and cost-effective.
The LGD project exemplifies the key attributes of a digital public good in the following ways:
- Open Source and Free Access
LocalGov Drupal is open-source software, freely available for anyone to use, modify, and share. This aligns with the open-access criteria of a DPG, enabling local governments - regardless of budget constraints - to provide high-quality digital services to their constituents. - Collaborative Development for Public Good
LGD is built and maintained by a community of developers, designers, and government stakeholders who collaborate to improve the platform continuously. This collaborative model fosters innovation, reduces duplication of efforts, and ensures that all improvements benefit the entire community. - Accessibility and Inclusion
Built with accessibility as a priority, LocalGov Drupal allows local governments to provide digital services that meet or exceed web accessibility standards. This focus on inclusivity ensures that digital services are usable by people with disabilities, enhancing equitable access to information and services—a core principle of digital public goods. - Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
LocalGov Drupal supports the United Nations' SDGs, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By facilitating transparent, accessible, and accountable digital services, LGD strengthens government institutions and bridges digital divides within communities. - Security and Privacy
With security and data privacy as key priorities, LGD is regularly tested and updated to maintain high security standards. Local governments using LGD can be confident that their services are protected and comply with stringent data protection laws and regulations.
Why Drupal’s Recognition as a DPG Matters
Drupal’s designation as a DPG in 2023 reinforces the credibility and value of platforms like LocalGov Drupal. Drupal’s established reputation for quality, openness, and global accessibility also extends to LGD, highlighting it as a trusted solution for government services. This DPG recognition assures users - whether local government leaders or community stakeholders - that LGD adheres to highest standards for ethics, security, and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of LGD as a Digital Public Good
LocalGov Drupal represents a vision for the future of government technology: one that is open, collaborative, and built with the community in mind. As more governments adopt LGD, it will continue to grow and evolve, bolstered by its foundations in Drupal’s recognized DPG status. This recognition underscores the role of LGD in promoting inclusive digital infrastructure and sets a precedent for other government platforms aiming to follow the DPG model.
LocalGov Drupal not only meets the standards of a digital public good but serves as a powerful example of how open-source solutions can drive digital transformation in the public sector. As a model of transparency, inclusivity, and community-driven development, LGD is truly a public good for a digital age.