Technology Services for Municipal Facilities: Community… | P2S
Swipe To Continue
Swipe To Continue

Technology Services for Municipal Facilities:
Community Engagement & Accessibility

Introduction

This whitepaper highlights how technology services provided by P2S, a critical building systems designer, strengthen community trust, access, and engagement in municipal facilities. Modern municipal facilities must prioritize accessibility and engagement to ensure all residents feel included and empowered to participate in public life. By integrating advanced technology, we can foster a more equitable and inclusive environment. This is achieved through both visual and auditory aids for staff and the public, as well as providing interactive materials and other methods to streamline the initial entry process for buildings.

The Role of Technology
in Civic Spaces

P2S designs critical building systems, including telecommunications, audio/visual (AV), information technology (IT), security, and building automation. By looking at the specific needs of a space—whether a courthouse, city center, or park—we develop a comprehensive approach to create successful environments. Communications infrastructure is the backbone of these systems, enabling a more holistic approach to building management and analytics.

An integrated "smart-building" environment improves safety, efficiency, and communication for both visitors and staff. For example, if an issue arises in a conference room, the system can automatically issue a maintenance notice, notify a room scheduling system that the space is unavailable, and re-book activities to avoid disruption. Similarly, custodial services can be alerted to issues like a flooded restroom, and lighting can be automatically adjusted for late-running meetings.

Proper cellular coverage, facilitated by a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), ensures reliable communication for occupants and first responders. Furthermore, providing public Wi-Fi acts as an equity tool, enabling free and open communication and internet access for everyone.

Designing for
Community Engagement

Technology enables municipal facilities to be more user-friendly and inclusive.

Digital Wayfinding and Signage

Digital wayfinding helps residents navigate public facilities more easily. Solutions include interactive directories, dynamic room signage that displays event or meeting information, and even connected apps that offer personal guidance. Digital signage can also display information in multiple languages and provide real-time updates, event information, and queuing notifications. In some cases, Augmented Reality (AR) apps can provide GPS-like guidance within a building, using internal landmarks to help visitors find their way.

Public Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Public Wi-Fi is a critical tool for digital equity. By offering free, high-bandwidth internet access throughout a facility, people can work or browse while waiting, access municipal portals, download documents, and check in for appointments without using up their personal cellular data. This empowers visitors by providing the connectivity they need to participate fully in the services offered.

AV Systems for Hybrid Meetings

Advanced AV systems are vital for enabling hybrid civic meetings and public participation. The integration of virtual platforms allows for remote meeting attendance, collaboration, and video conferencing. This capability, accelerated by the pandemic, makes it possible for individuals who are physically unable or too far away to attend in person to still engage in the process. This also applies to courthouses, where remote witnesses and defendants can be introduced, ensuring that justice remains accessible to all.

Accessibility
Through Technology

Accessibility is a core principle of P2S’s technology design. Our solutions ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical or sensory abilities, can access and use municipal facilities.

  • Audio and Visual Distribution: Video and audio can be distributed to personal tablets for easy viewing and listening. Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) can be provided as physical equipment or accessed via smart apps on personal devices connected to the wireless network, supporting individuals with hearing impairments.
  • Public Announcements and Tickers: Visual ticker displays and digital signage provide critical support for the hearing-impaired, displaying emergency notifications and public alerts. This system can also be used for both audible and visual paging to staff and visitors.
  • Building Access: P2S designs for ADA and universal design standards, incorporating features like external push plates and card access pedestals to support wheelchair accessibility. We also consider future needs, such as bi-directional visual communication in elevator cabs that can be activated for non-verbal communication using hand-signing.
  • Assistive Listening Systems (ALS): ALS equipment is made available in presentation spaces and other public areas. Infrared ALS provides a secure method for supporting sensitive areas like courtrooms.
  • Translation and Captioning: Closed captioning for visual displays provides a way for individuals to read shared audio. Simultaneous translation services can be provided through dedicated booths, with audio fed to assistive listening devices on separate channels for different languages. Emerging technologies are even exploring AI-generated live translation services for real-time use.
  • Digital Kiosks: Digital kiosks and smart apps streamline public interaction by allowing for seamless booking of services and appointment check-ins. Monitors provide visual queueing information, directing visitors to their next destination.

Case Examples
(P2S Experience)

P2S has a proven track record of implementing technology services that support accessibility and engagement in municipal and civic projects.

These projects demonstrate P2S's ability to increase participation, reduce barriers, and improve safety through thoughtful technology integration.

! Learn more

Future-Ready
Municipal Facilities

As buildings become more "smart," P2S helps municipalities plan for a future of connected, interoperable systems. We work with city stakeholders to explore options for digital inclusion, leveraging trends like smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT).

P2S designs scalable and resilient systems that can adapt to evolving community needs. By researching and tracking upcoming developments, we create infrastructure that can support multiple generations of technology refreshes and accommodate future, unforeseen solutions. This proactive approach ensures that facilities remain relevant and functional for years to come, empowering communities with the latest technological support.

Conclusion

P2S is a dedicated partner to the municipalities we serve, bringing a passion for comprehensive and thoughtful design to every project. We strive to provide innovative, connected approaches that empower communities for better engagement and interaction with public processes. Our commitment is to create civic spaces that are not only efficient but also inclusive, ensuring that all residents can connect, participate, and have their needs accommodated.

Form has been submitted successfully!

LA County Civic Center (2023)

P2S provided secure assistive listening support, closed captioning, and dedicated booths for simultaneous translation of multiple languages, ensuring comprehensive public access.

Lake Forest Civic Center (2016)

P2S designed a system that included public address, secure assistive listening support, closed captioning, and provisions for simultaneous translation, reflecting a commitment to accommodating diverse community needs.

Indio City Hall and Council Chambers (2022 & 2025)

This project involved a complete AV system for public address, secure assistive listening, closed captioning, and provisions for translation, all designed to make civic participation more accessible.

Redlands Police Department (2025):

P2S integrated public address, secure assistive listening, and wireless audio support via personal Wi-Fi-connected devices. A dedicated community room was equipped with provisions for live multi-cast public events. The building also featured accessible push plates and communication panels for after-hours access.