Boston continued to define itself as a technology hub when it was announced by Mayor Menino on Tuesday that the city of Boston was awarded top honors twice from the Public Institute of Technology (PIT). Recognized were Boston’s iPhone app, Citizens Connect, and GIS (geospatial information system) Data Hub.

The PIT is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. focused on promoting and perfecting the use of technology in local government. Backed by federal, governmental, and industrial organizations, the PIT makes it their business to learn the newest technology solutions and share these with the local governments of the nation.

The PIT also recognizes local governments for technological achievements in government affairs, and as a Bostonian I’m proud to report that Boston took gold in the Web and E-Government category, as well as the award in GIS.

Web and E-Government Award: Citizens Connect

Mentioned in one of our all-time most popular posts, 10 iPhone Apps from Boston, Citizens Connect is an iPhone app that lets citizens instantly report any infrastructure issues like road damage. Now commuters sick of hitting that same pothole day-in and day-out can notify the city about it easily.

GIS Award: Data Hub

The GIS system, Data Hub is like a Google map that plots all kinds of Boston government information in a geographical context. With the interactive interface, users can visualize information like stimulus projects complete with locations and associated investment. It’s also a great way to see the locations of Boston public computing centers.

The BostInno team is very excited Boston is pulling in awards like these. Congratulations to our local government for killing it in the tech department and keep up the good work!

What’s the next thing Mayor Menino could do that would be useful for residents? What kinds of governmental technology would you like to have at your fingertips in the future?