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In an interview with Govt Business Review, MacLellan shared insights on his career trajectory, hands-on approach to IT leadership, collaboration and implementing future-ready technology.
Embracing Leadership in the Public Works Department
For the last four years, I have been leading the business technology team in the public works division, which includes five departments; the utilities department focused on water and wastewater, the transportation department dealing with streets and traffic signals, the fleet and facility department managing all city buildings and vehicles, including fire vehicles, police vehicles, public works trucks and large-vehicles, the environmental sustainability department and the construction management and inspection department.
My IT team includes two business systems specialists and a business systems intern. I am also on two leadership teams: a public works branch with board of directors from different departments, and the IT leadership team with managers from different divisions.
Fostering Data-Driven Decision Making
Over the past 25 years, Carlsbad has transitioned from intuition-led public works to a data-driven model. As veteran managers retired, the city faced the challenge of preserving institutional knowledge, prompting a strategic shift toward asset management and data collection. Two decades ago, the implementation of an enterprise asset management (EAM) system marked a pivotal shift toward data-informed operations.
Recently, the city completed a four-year transformation project, introducing a modern EAM solution aligned to current business practices. A centralized data lake was also developed, integrating multiple systems to support cross-departmental insights. The initiative’s first year focused on stakeholder engagement and RFP development, resulting in 14 vendor responses.
Looking ahead, Carlsbad plans to implement a new ERP system for finance, HR and utility billing. These interdependent systems will be launched simultaneously to ensure seamless integration and operational continuity.
Expanding AI Capabilities within the Public Sector
The city is actively exploring AI capabilities through a dedicated committee. The IT department is piloting Microsoft Copilot initiatives to support managers and departmental workflows. AI tools are also being evaluated for GIS applications and telematics infrastructure.
The department has deployed vehicles equipped with GPS hardware to enhance fleet operations, enabling access to realtime telematics data. This continuous data stream empowers the fleet team to monitor, manage and optimize vehicle performance citywide.
Enhancing Transparency in the Public Sector
The city is piloting ways to make its data lake strategy accessible to the public. One initiative is the online PIP Capital Improvement Program, which allows residents to view GIS-mapped projects along with descriptions, phases and budgets.
Our smartphone-based citizen app lets residents report potholes and road issues directly to the responsible department. The app also updates city activities and ongoing public works, fostering real-time engagement and accountability.
Adapting to Technological Advancements
AI is set to transform the IT industry, and investing in a robust digital infrastructure is imperative. The city has implemented a Strategic Digital Transformational Investment Program (SDTIP), modeled after the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). While the CIP focuses on Capital infrastructure, like streets, pipes and lights, the SDTIP brings the same level of transparency and planning rigor to the city’s digital assets and technology.
A long-term infrastructure upgrade plan is underway, with targeted improvements scheduled to support sustainable growth.
Word of Advice for Peers
Quality data is crucial while being transparent to citizens. Business processes must align with business systems. This ensures accuracy in the data layers and makes it easier to develop metrics and visualizations to provide citizens with better insights.
AI is set to transform the IT industry, and investing in a robust digital infrastructure is imperative
The city is piloting ways to make its data lake strategy accessible to the public. One initiative is the online PIP Capital Improvement Program, which allows residents to view GIS-mapped projects along with descriptions, phases and budgets.
Our smartphone-based citizen app lets residents report potholes and road issues directly to the responsible department. The app also updates city activities and ongoing public works, fostering real-time engagement and accountability.
Adapting to Technological Advancements
AI is set to transform the IT industry, and investing in a robust digital infrastructure is imperative. The city has implemented a Strategic Digital Transformational Investment Program (SDTIP), modeled after the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). While the CIP focuses on Capital infrastructure, like streets, pipes and lights, the SDTIP brings the same level of transparency and planning rigor to the city’s digital assets and technology.
A long-term infrastructure upgrade plan is underway, with targeted improvements scheduled to support sustainable growth.
Word of Advice for Peers
Quality data is crucial while being transparent to citizens. Business processes must align with business systems. This ensures accuracy in the data layers and makes it easier to develop metrics and visualizations to provide citizens with better insights. 