Cody Modernizes City Services with New Digital Systems

The City of Cody has been working to streamline processes for two years. In an effort to enhance efficiency and the customer experience, Building and Planning has shifted to the powerful Cityworks Software. By moving the applications and payments online, the hours of manual data entry and the risk of paperwork being lost in the shuffle or sitting on a desk somewhere are now a thing of the past.

Trimble’s Cityworks Software utilizes the power of ArcGIS to connect many aspects of city government. Numerous cities around the country have successfully used it. With its proven track record, the City Council decided to make this shift using ARPA funds (COVID money). It earmarked these funds for this purpose in the 2024-2025 budget.

Enhanced Departmental Efficiency:

Cityworks provides the Building and Planning departments with improved tracking capabilities for contractors, permits, and short-term rentals, and a clearer picture of ongoing and completed planning projects and subdivisions. This eliminates the need for outdated spreadsheets, which were often neglected due to staffing and time constraints.

The intake process is significantly faster and more efficient. Instead of time-consuming paper applications and manual data entry (each taking approximately 20 minutes in the old system, followed by payment calls), applicants now submit and pay online. Once all materials are submitted and payment is confirmed, the application is routed to the correct department for review. The department can then efficiently communicate any additional requirements or approval status with the applicant. This streamlined approach ensures a much smoother and more efficient method for the Community Development department.

This online system has been in place since October 1, 2025, and is already proving its value. If anyone has trouble, just stop by; the office is happy to help you through the entire process.

Better Reports

Additionally, it works with mapping and inspections, so all involved can see exactly where they are in the process. This efficiency also allows the Community Development Department to give better and clearer reports, as it’s easier to see all elements in play.

You can see this through an example of the Building Permits Statistics. All of this information used to be managed through a spreadsheet and was often out of date. Now, the page is updated as soon as permits are issued. This shows the enhanced transparency the City can now provide because of this software.

Key Benefits for Applicants:

The response from contractors, short-term rental owners, and other customers has been very positive. They have found the process easy to navigate.

• Easy Account Setup: Applicants can easily create an account, log in, and apply for permits online.
• Contractor-Specific Features: Contractors can apply for and renew their licenses, submit applications, and access a personalized dashboard to track their licenses, permits, and inspection statuses. They can also schedule inspections online by selecting their preferred date.
• Short-Term Rental Management: Short-term rental applicants can apply for new rentals and renewals through the online software. Once an account is set up, they gain access to a dashboard to manage renewals and check the status of their rentals and registrations.

Public Records Requests also now Online

Those wanting access to public records will also find a smoother, more streamlined process as this, too, has moved online. The City uses NextRequest, cloud-based public records and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) management software. Anyone can go to the portal to request information. You can access the documents online or come in for paper copies.

When a request comes in, the system assigns the request to the appropriate office and tracks the request to completion. Not only does this provide faster service, but nothing will fall through the cracks.

Municipal Court Software Provides Better Efficiency

This week, the Municipal Court rolled out its online system using Tyler Technologies’ Municipal Justice software, giving it more advanced court management. Interfacing with the Police Department’s E-Citation software (also from Tyler Technologies), the need to wait for papers to move through the system is a thing of the past. Speeding up processing means that a citation issued could be paid the same day.

Prosecutors, attorneys, and defendants all have access to a portal to see where their cases are in the system. Notifications are automated and much faster, saving hours of time.

Overall Improvement

The bottom line of all the work done over the past two years is that city staff can automate mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on issues that need personal interaction. They can also focus on moving projects forward and providing better reports with access to clear and well-organized information.

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