Implementing Smart Solutions and Enhancing Infrastructure

Melissa Kraft, CIO, City of Frisco

Melissa Kraft is the CIO at the City of Frisco, one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Previously, she has served as the CIO for Dallas County and city of Denton and led several technology and infrastructure transformation initiatives, a data academy and 911 quality assurance programs. She has also assisted in launching the city of Denton’s first co-working space for technology start-ups.

For over two decades, Kraft has held various leadership roles in public and private companies. She has dedicated her career to public service, serving the U.S. Army for almost nine years, including directing the network operations center in Baghdad, Iraq. She holds an MBA from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science from Troy University.

Transition to Private Sector

My nine years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army provided me with invaluable experiences and resilience that continue to influence my professional journey today. After completing my military service, I transitioned into the private sector, initially working in consulting and later with a telecom provider. My next significant role was with the City of Denton, where I spent about 12 years focusing on infrastructure, security and compliance. This experience included various roles like information assurance security officer and security manager and extended to work with an electric utility.

“Balancing technological efficiency with ethical considerations is important in developing responsible security solutions.”

I became the CIO for Dallas County, where we led major technological advancements during the onset of COVID-19. These initiatives included developing a health and disease surveillance system, updating our health infrastructure and modernizing election platforms. I was recently appointed as the CIO for the City of Frisco, where I have been working for nearly a year. My current focus is maximizing our data utility and leading smart city projects, including traffic management, mobility solutions and collaborative data pilots with local universities—all while serving the city I proudly call home.                                                                                                                        

Strategic Enhancements in Public Safety, Traffic Management and Data Integration

At Frisco, our core priorities are public safety, traffic management and data oversight. To uphold these standards, I consistently grip cutting-edge technology, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and efficiency. We are set to launch a new computer-aided dispatch records management system and have introduced AI pilots to enhance dispatch efficiency and training. In partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas, we are developing a traffic mobility program using predictive analytics to manage large-scale events like Universal Studios and World Cup 2026.

The Safer program was created with Esri, a geographic information system mapping software, location intelligence, and spatial analytics technology company. It integrates multiple city systems for real-time visibility, aiding emergency response and route planning. Our 3D city model is also built with Esri’s GIS platform, which includes detailed school floor plans and emergency response integration. We are expanding this digital twin to improve urban planning and operational efficiency.

Advancing City Operations through Technology and Innovation

We are exploring numerous advanced technologies to enhance our city's operations and future growth. One significant area of interest is using digital twins and AI-driven predictive analytics, particularly in utilities and traffic management. These technologies will enable us to model and forecast various scenarios effectively.

A comprehensive citywide asset management program is being developed to address the needs of our evolving infrastructure. Maintaining operational efficiency while fostering innovation will be crucial as Frisco grows and ages. Embracing these technologies will help us achieve both goals in a data-driven manner. Looking ahead, we are also focusing on leveraging machine learning to advance our data program and improve data literacy. This initiative is a key priority for the coming year and will support improving the city’s services and infrastructure.

Enhancing Security through Automation and Ethical Considerations 

I emphasize the importance of leveraging automation to enhance our security measures, with a strong background in security. Computerization is crucial for quickly containing and remediating threats, which minimizes their overall impact on the organization. It is essential to recognize that security incidents are not a matter of "if" but "when," and having automated systems helps manage risks more effectively.

As we integrate new technologies, it is vital to consider their risk management capabilities and impact on integrity and fairness. Ensuring these solutions align with our core values and contribute to an equitable environment is as important as technological advancements. Balancing technological efficiency with ethical considerations is important in developing responsible security solutions.

Aligning Strategies with City Goals

The government focuses on incremental change rather than sweeping transformations. The emphasis is on targeting key areas that align with the city’s overarching goals. Businesses are encouraged to align their strategies with these goals, supported by appropriate technology. For example, discussions with departments like procurement, HR, utilities, libraries and public safety reveal consistent priorities. Common themes include enhancing public safety to ensure residents feel secure in their neighborhoods, improving traffic mobility to facilitate safe and efficient travel and ensuring overall alignment with these core objectives.

Utilities

Predictive Analytics

esri

AI

real-time visibility

Risk Management

HR

Machine Learning

GIS