Computerworld has named the city of Ann Arbor’s information technology director, Dan Rainey, one of the 2011 Premier 100 IT Leaders.

According to Computerworld, the Premier 100 honors an elite group of IT executives for innovative approaches to business challenges and effectively managed IT strategies.

"In the face of the past few years of economic turmoil that for many meant budget cuts and staff downsizing, these 100 men and women continued to innovate and deliver measurable business value," Scot Finnie, the magazine's editor in chief, said in a statement.

City officials gave Rainey and his staff credit for five key technology projects in 2010 that improved city service efficiencies and increased public access to information online.

• Data Catalog: Successful launch of an Open Data Catalog that made information easily available and helped foster open government and increase citizen engagement.
• Online Water Bills: Online utility bill presentment and payment system implemented to provide 24/7 access and avoids paper bills by delivering electronic statements.
• Social Networking: The city leveraged digital e-mail subscription management, Facebook, Twitter, Animoto and Foursquare, as part of its communication tools.
• eTRAKiT: The integration of this online permitting and development records system allows 24/7 access to planning and development information, inspection results and the ability to look up permits online and check registration with the city or schedule inspections.
• Financial System Replacement: Implementation in five months of a new scalable financial management system, New World’s LOGOS.net.

Information on previous honorees can be viewed at Computerworld.com.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.