Council confirms Dean Hansel to information technology commission after discussion on 3-1-1, digital divide and virtual-reality tools

The Los Angeles City Council on Sept. 25 confirmed Dean Hansel to the Board of Information Technology Commissioners after a floor discussion that focused on the city’s 3-1-1 project, 9-1-1 capacity shortfalls and using online tools — including virtual reality — to improve communications with neighborhood councils.

Councilmember Garcetti questioned Hansel about the city’s 3-1-1 project and asked how he assessed its status. Hansel said, “Well, where we're at is is way behind schedule with it. And, it's a, it's particularly right now because of what looks like is happening in the nation. I think it's a particularly important issue because there's a danger. You know, the 9 1 1 system is already, way over capacity. It's it's overwhelmed.”

The exchange framed the nomination discussion. Councilmember Ridley Thomas and others cited Hansel’s prior public service and technical experience as reasons for confirmation. Ridley Thomas told colleagues the nominee was “up to speed” and prepared to provide leadership on the commission so that the city’s technological infrastructure would receive “coherence, coordination, in a comprehensive way.” Councilmember Zine and others voiced support as well.

Members pressed Hansel on practical steps to make technology more accessible citywide. Hansel urged a two-pronged approach: a user-friendly citywide web system for routine information and channels for residents to communicate with council offices, and targeted strategies to address the digital divide. “Part of the digital divide…is the ability of everybody to be able to have access to the Internet,” Hansel said, adding that different neighborhoods may require different tactics to ensure access.

Councilmember Reyes raised the potential for imagery and virtual-reality tools to help non-English-speaking and multilingual communities understand complicated planning and land-use impacts. Hansel said such tools could be part of a broader toolkit, noting the importance of multilingual access and local strategies that reflect neighborhood needs.

The council vote to confirm Hansel was recorded as 11 ayes. The record does not show a formal motion textor a named mover and seconder for the confirmation on the transcript excerpt provided.

The confirmation authorizes Hansel to serve on the newly constituted Board of Information Technology Commissioners. During the floor remarks, members reiterated that the commission’s work should emphasize improving emergency communications, supporting neighborhood councils’ two-way communication with departments, and narrowing the city’s digital access gaps.

The council moved on to other business after the vote; no further action on 3-1-1, procurement or a formal implementation plan for Hansel’s initial term was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Looking ahead, councilmembers said they expect the commission and city departments to coordinate on the 3-1-1 rollout, emergency communication needs tied to 9-1-1 capacity, and the development of user-friendly multilingual web services and other visualization tools for public engagement.