Brockton Awarded $136,000 Grant For City Permitting Software

BROCKTON, MA—The City of Brockton announced on Wednesday that it has been awarded a $136,000 grant through the Community Compact Cabinet's Information Technology grant program to purchase new permitting software.

The new software will make the city's permit application process for residents and contractors much more efficient by allowing business owners to submit, pay for, and renew business licenses online instead of being required to visit city hall, according to press release from Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan's office.

"This software will add a convenience factor for contractors and residents alike with the ability to file for a permit from out of state or after-hours, 24/7, 365 days a year," said Bill Santos, Director of Information Technology for the City of Brockton, in a statement.

The permitting software update will not only allow for the permit application process to be automated, but it will also transmit the information throughout city offices, including the Planning Department and Board of Health. Each department will be able to handle their side of evaluating and issuing permits while communicating with and receiving assistance from other integrated departments. The updated permit software will be inclusive of all languages to provide more accessibility to applicants.

"The new software will allow the City to utilize Google Translate which will enable all residents and contractors to read and submit the various applications in the language of their choosing," said Jim Plouffe, Building Superintendent for the City of Brockton Building Department, in a statement. "It will further enable more remote applications which will also assist in the fight against COVID-19.

The grant follows the city's effort to identify potential improvements for its information technology systems. After convening a task force in July with this goal in mind, the need for a new permitting system was determined.

"I am thrilled that the City of Champions has been selected for this grant," said Sullivan in a statement. "I am confident that it will greatly improve the quality of the services we provide to our residents and Brockton business owners. I thank Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Secretary Heffernan for their support on this much needed endeavor. It is truly a game-changer for our City and those we serve."