Item # 7 - MyGovernmentOnline (MGO)

1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lety Hernandez, Community Development Services Director
SUBJECT: Staff report on MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) permitting software
DATE: October 24, 2022
SUMMARY
Staff report on the recent implementation and transition to MyGovernmentOnline permitting
software that allows applicants to apply for and obtain permits and licenses online.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, two local government-established entities, the
Economic Development District (EDD) of Louisiana and the South Central Planning &
Development Commission (SCPDC), created a shared software system to manage the permitting
and licensing requirements for the subsequent redevelopment. A resolution was passed that
authorized the EDD to create a national software Partnership Program that would allow only
fellow jurisdictions to join and achieve evolving goals at a low cost with no upfront fees.
During the FY 2023 Strategic Action Plan discussion, Community Development Services
Department previewed its efforts to transition from a largely paper-based permitting and
licensing system to a web-based platform that allowed users to submit all materials through a
single online portal. Beginning October 5th
, the City is now accepting and processing building
permit, licensing, certificates of occupancy, and other building-related applications through
MGO at www.mygovernmentonline.org. MGO allows for the digitization of the plan review
process. Staff can review submitted applications online, and inspectors gain access to completed
project and approved plans. Both staff & customers will real time results of reviews and/or
inspections. In addition, customers and contractors who work in more than one jurisdiction that
uses MGO are able to access all their projects in one convenient location.
Using a single online permitting system is becoming much easier in this area as more
jurisdictions adopt MGO for licensing and permitting. The following communities in Texas
currently utilize MGO:
 Terrell Hills
 Olmos Park
 Shavano Park
 Windcrest
 Bulverde
 Kerrville
 San Marcos
 Buda
 Rollingwood
 Hutto
 West Lake Hills
 Pflugerville
 Georgetown
 Cedar Park
 Bastrop
 Dripping Springs
 Bee Cave
 Taylor
 Irving
 Temple
 Hays County
 Travis County
 Williamson County
 Chambers County

2. Although there is no upfront cost to acquire and use any of the available tools, there is a monthly
fee that is required to cover the cost of the ongoing support, training, and configuration that is
provided for the lifetime that the City uses the products. The monthly fee is included in the FY
2023 Budget. Implementation of MGO will eliminate the need for the current system, Incode
Community Development Module, resulting in a cost reduction to the City.
_____________________
Lety Hernandez
Director
______________________
Phil Laney
Assistant City Manager