Technology can improve the way that local government serves constituents. Offering self-service access to information through the Internet is one way to improve service. Technologies, such as automated telephone systems and the Internet provide information to citizens even when local government offices are not open. E-government can also improve citizen service by providing automated responses to permit applications and requests for information. Streamlining business processes and improving the flow of internal communication saves staff time and energy so they can provide better services to constituents who call or come in for information.