Using Community Information Systems to improve citizens' access to information at the local level.

Land Information Access Association (LIAA), a non-profit organization in Traverse City, Michigan, provides citizens and public officials access to information about the cultural and natural resources of their communities and provides tools necessary for informed land-use planning. LIAA’s program, "Building a Sense of Place," involves the development of "Community Information Systems" (CIS).

LIAA’s assistance has enabled communities throughout Michigan to set up a number of innovative information resources. This includes touch-screen information kiosks and multi-media presentations on CD-ROM. LIAA also works to make Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data available for a range of citizen needs.

CIS can deliver zoning ordinances, photographs of sites, information about local history, and links to local and regional agencies. Citizens can view community information contained in various databases of local, county and state agencies. CIS can serve as a one-stop location for acquiring parcel-specific information without having to visit several different offices.

Specific services LIAA offers to create CIS include project management, computer programming, public opinion research, technical training, and organizational assistance.

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