by Nicole Bradford
Integrating modern technology but keeping core values took center stage during the mayor’s annual State of the City Address on February 6.
“I like to say your technology should work for you — you shouldn’t work for your technology,” Mayor Kevin Cole told the sold-out Chamber of Commerce event.
The technology employed by the city includes using drones as first response tools.
“When a call goes out whether it’s a major accident, fire or criminal activity, we can put a drone in the air and get eyes on the scene as resources are on the way,” he said.
Utility customers now have access to a customer portal showing water usage within a 24-hour.
“You can see the water consumption you had the day before, and if there’s a problem, you can be proactive as opposed to waiting a month to get your bill. It’s our customers taking ownership of their situation.”
New permitting software kicked off in January. Some of the features include “instant” permits for applicants.
To better communicate with the public, a monthly Talk of the Town held online answers residents’ questions in a manner that Cole describes as “very real.”
“We go at length to make sure people get their questions asked and answered,” he said. “And answering with truth — not just something somebody wants to hear.”
To learn more about Pearland’s inner workings, the mayor suggested residents explore the first-ever UniverCity, a program offered free to the first 20 registrants.
“You can learn more about how your city works instead of how some of our Facebook warriors think it works,” he said.
Following his presentation, Cole recognized City Attorney Darin Coker, who will be retiring at the end of 2025 after 28 years with the city. Coker, who grew up in Pearland, joined the legal staff in 1997.
