Digital Innovation Collaborative Exchange

Who we are and what we do

The Digital Innovation Collaborative Exchange (DICE) is a regional effort to bring reliable, affordable digital services to local governments in Southwest Michigan. Built through an intergovernmental partnership between Van Buren and St. Joseph Counties, DICE was created to help rural communities modernize their operations in a way that makes sense: first by simplifying their systems, then by using technology to improve them.

Our Services

AI & Workflow Automation

Augmenting capabilities, increasing efficiencies.

Digital Comms & Web Development

Clear, accessible, and AI-ready.

Data Analytics & GIS

Turning local data into actionable insight.

Shared Productivity Tools

Simple apps that make government easier for staff and residents alike.

The Challenge vs. The Solution

Local governments across Michigan are facing more digital demands without the staff, funding, or tools to keep up.
We provide a sovereign alternative to the vendor trap.

Current Challenges

The Rural Tech Deficit
A widening gap between well-funded urban centers and smaller communities hurts local economic competitiveness.

The Vendor Trap
Traditional software is frequently overbuilt, over-priced, and locks counties into rigid, proprietary platforms.

The Danger of Unchecked AI
Using expensive technology to permanently lock in inefficient legacy workflows creates existential trust risks.

Our Solution

A Shared Digital Public Utility
Pooling resources through interlocal agreements allows small jurisdictions access to advanced digital capabilities.

Subtraction & MicroTools
We fix broken processes before applying tech, deploying modular publicly owned tools tailored to local ordinances.

AI With Integrity & Oversight
We enforce the “Human Judgment Rule,” ensuring AI only assists while humans maintain final authority.

Our Case Studies

Real change is measured in hours saved, dollars preserved, and residents better served.

View All Case Studies

AI & Communications

Marty AI – A Chatbot that’s making a difference

Data Analytics

Finding (and fixing) inefficiencies in government programs

Automation

Improving Human Resources workflows

Web Design

Websites as a digital asset

AI Policy & Training

Leading digital innovation

AI Integration

Augmenting staff capabilities

Join the Work

Whether you are a local government, a regional partner, or an interested peer, there is a place for you in the DICE ecosystem. Let’s talk about shaping the future of public-sector technology together.

Get in Touch

Subscribers
Access our full suite of public-sector MicroTools.

Pilot Partners
Collaborate on foundational R&D projects.

Policy Advisors
Shape regional AI governance frameworks.

Funders
Invest in digital infrastructure modernization.