Discover how A Commitment to Excellence, Technology, and Innovation is Fueling Change

Learn how recent improvements in strategic planning are driving growth and development. 

JUPITER, Fla., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An upcoming episode of Advancements with Ted Danson will focus on how technology and innovation are being used to transform and empower local government and public administration.

This segment will explore some of the challenges facing local government and public administration today, as it shares how innovations in technology and economic development are helping city officials to navigate challenges and opportunities. Hearing from the City of Ferris, Texas, viewers will discover how the City is accomplishing its goal to improve economic development, public safety, quality of life, fiscal management, and infrastructure.

The show will highlight the City of Ferris' strategic plan, which was developed in 2019 to address both challenges and opportunities facing the community. Audiences will learn how smart city technologies are enhancing efficiency and sustainability, IoT-enabled infrastructure is helping to monitor systems and provide transparency, and energy-efficient solutions are resulting in reduced environmental impact and operational costs.

"In Ferris, we believe local government should be built on trust, accountability, and a relentless commitment to serve. Our focus is simple: Deliver real results that improve lives. We've strengthened our infrastructure, enhanced public safety, and driven economic growth, all while significantly lowering the tax rate to the lowest of any full-service city in Ellis County. By embracing innovation, leveraging technology, and leading with transparency, we are building a government that works smarter and serves better. This is what responsive, high-performing government looks like. We're not chasing recognition, we're focused on building a stronger, more resilient future for the people who call Ferris home," said Brooks Williams, Chief Executive Officer/City Manager, City of Ferris, Texas.

In addition, the series will explore how the City uses automation and AI to streamline processes, improve services, and ensure that resources are used efficiently, while also integrating technology into its education and workforce development initiatives to align education with community and economic goals.

"We are excited to educate about the great work that the City of Ferris is doing to accomplish its goals and bring better resources and quality of life to the surrounding area. We hope this will act as a road map for other cities looking to improve their community," said Andrew Stuhl, senior producer for the Advancements series.

About the City of Ferris, Texas:
The City of Ferris, Texas, is setting the standard for what a high-performing, responsive government should be. Located just south of Dallas, Ferris has achieved transformative growth under the leadership of Mayor Fred Pontley, the City Council, and City Manager Brooks Williams. The City has eliminated budget deficits, quadrupled its fund balance, reduced crime rates, doubled in population, earned its first bond rating upgrade in 15 years to AA-, and celebrated a litany of other achievements, all while dramatically lowering its tax rate to the lowest of any full-service city in Ellis County.

Driven by its mission to set the standard for high-performance government, Ferris prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and transparency in every decision. Strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development have created a stronger, more resilient community. This intentional focus on excellence extends to education through the proposed Leaders at Heart Academy, a public municipal charter school currently under review by the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education. LAH will provide an individually tailored and intentionally unique learning environment, offering bilingual education and opportunities for students to earn college credits and industry certifications. By aligning education with workforce development, Ferris is creating opportunities that empower residents to thrive locally and contribute to long-term economic success. 

For more information, visit: www.FerrisTexas.gov.

About Advancements: 
Advancements is an information-based educational television series that explores recent developments taking place across several industries and economies. With a focus on some of the major innovations responsible for global progress today, the award-winning series goes behind-the-scenes to discover and share how technology and innovation continue to drive the world forward.

Advancements shines a light on several important issues and topics, while featuring an array of cutting-edge improvements, state-of-the-art technologies, and groundbreaking environmental and sustainable solutions. Its team of writers, directors, and producers remain dedicated to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming for viewers and networks.

For more information, please visit www.AdvancementsTV.com.

SOURCE Advancements