In 2024, our support teams played a key role in the success of a number of projects and in improving the quality of the services we offer. Here are some key initiatives and achievements.
Public procurement contracts
173 public procurement contracts were awarded for a total of €190,982,388.30 excluding VAT, all procedures combined.
In 2024, we awarded a total of 173 public procurement contracts, covering a range of procedures and meeting the growing needs of the City of Brussels. These contracts for IT supplies and services support the implementation of strategic projects linked to the city's digital transformation, while strengthening the harmonisation of processes. They will also help to meet the needs of the Brussels Region's public education and libraries, by providing new digital tools tailored to users' expectations.
i-CITY also concluded contracts to meet its own operating needs. In 2024, these included contracts for human resources, employee training and specialist legal services.
In addition, to improve its procurement processes, i-CITY continued its project to professionalise purchasing, in collaboration with the City of Brussels.
Since 2023, all i-CITY contracts exceeding €175,000 have been subject to approval by the Brussels-Capital Region.
In 2024, a major contract was awarded to a Microsoft integrator (maximum amount: €24 million excluding VAT), and several major contracts were concluded for Public Education, municipal services and the internal needs of the ASBL.
Focus on a few key contracts in 2024
Microsoft integrator contract
A strategic framework contract was awarded for a maximum of €24 million excluding VAT, for the development, maintenance and evolution of solutions based on Microsoft cloud technologies (in particular Dynamics 365). The aim of the contract was to support the digital transformation of the city and its entities, including the Régie Foncière.
Public education
A number of contracts were awarded to modernise the digital tools used by schools in the City of Brussels:
- implementation of a collaborative school platform
- maintenance of IT tools for PMS centres
- centralised and secure management of school websites
- acquisition of management software for schools.
Strategic IT services
- Implementation of a VMS (Vendor Management System) platform to manage consultancy assignments
- A strategic ICT consultancy contract aimed at strengthening the City's technological management capabilities
- Live and replay broadcasts of Local Council meetings.
Specific software and hardware
Contracts were also awarded for the acquisition of software (Adobe, Microfocus, Microsoft) and specific hardware, in particular for population services, such as biometric equipment.
Human resources
Workforce and diversity
In 2024, i-CITY had 186 employees, 25.80% of whom were women and 74.20% men. This increased workforce will enable us to meet the growing needs of the organisation and strengthen our ability to provide quality services.
Recruitment and turnover
Fourteen new recruits were hired in 2024, and the turnover rate fell from 12.17% to 4.45%. This significant reduction in turnover reflects our efforts to improve talent retention in a competitive sector.
Skills development
The training budget invested in 2024 amounted to €66,000, down on the previous year. This decrease was due to the launch of a training track dedicated to the talent management of the HR team, newly created within the department.
Key statistics
• Age pyramid : 
HR strategy
In 2024, a strategy was developed:
- operational excellence was at the heart of our ambition: answering questions, providing payroll, legal monitoring, social dialogue, optimising the HR budget and more digitalisation in terms of mobility and budget
- revision of the organisation vs. the organisational chart to support the company's different activities and create perspectives
- talent management: supporting the employee’s life cycle from onboarding to performance, career, training needs and offboarding
Internal communication and corporate culture
2024 saw initiatives to strengthen internal communication and promote an inclusive and collaborative corporate culture. We stepped up our presence on social networks and organised events to cultivate a 'one team' spirit.
Communication at i-CITY intensified in 2024, with several key initiatives.
Communicating Brucity
Facilitating the transition with information campaigns and guides.
Video content
Production of videos on various subjects to inform and engage.
Closer links with colleagues at the City of Brussels
Closer collaboration.
Social networks
Stronger presence on LinkedIin to improve employer branding.
Time to get together
Regular activities and meetings to encourage cohesion.
Speakers' Corner and Connected Lunches
Events to share knowledge and stimulate enriching discussions.
Employer branding strategy
In 2024, a solid employer branding strategy was put in place to attract and retain talent, highlighting our values and career opportunities.
Governance and legal aspects
Annual General Meeting
The i-CITY General Assembly, made up of all the full members, met twice in 2024. It included representatives of the City of Brussels, the Brussels CPAS and the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as people appointed by the City Council.
Composition of the General Meeting in 2024 :
• City of Brussels: Dirk Leonard
• Alderman for the Smart City: Fabian Maingain. Replaced on 01/07/24 by Benhur Yusuf Ergen. Replaced on 01/12/24 by Clémentine Buggenhout
• Brussels CPAS: Ms Rita Glineur
• Brussels-Capital Region: Mr Nicolas Locoge
• Local Council representatives: Saïda Bakkali, Dominique De Backer (resigned 24/07/24), Cellou Satina Diallo, José Hoorens, Erik Hulsbosch, Nastassia Daumas, Gérard Mugemangango, Didier Wauters, Thomas Doesselaere, Eden Liondjo (invited from March 2024).
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors met 13 times in 2024. It is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the organisation.
Composition of the Board of Directors in 2024 :
Ms Saïda Bakkali, Mr Dominique De Backer (resigned 24/07/24), Mr Cellou Satina Diallo, Mr Erik Hulsbosch, Mr Thomas Doesselaere, and the IT team: Chairman (Mr Fabian Maingain) 01/07/24 - Benhur Yusuf Ergen 01/07/24 - Clémentine Buggenhout 01/12/24.
Day-to-daily management
The Board of Directors has delegated the day-to-day management of the organisation to the Managing Director, Mary-Odile Lognard. The Executive Committee (ComEx) meets every fortnight and is made up of the Managing Director and the directors, assisted by the Corporate Governance Advisor.
Specialist committees
The Board has set up a number of committees to ensure effective governance and the closer monitoring of strategic and operational issues.
- Nomination and Remuneration Committee
This committee proposes rules for the remuneration, appointment and evaluation of members of the Executive Committee. It did not meet in 2024.
- Internal Audit Committee
Responsible for budgetary, financial and risk control issues. Its members are Saïda Bakkali (Chairman), Rita Glineur, Fabian Maingain and Eline Chivot. This committee met once in 2024.
- Management Contract Monitoring Committee
The City of Brussels and i-CITY are bound by a Management Contract covering the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025. The committee monitors mutual commitments and the overall assessment of the contract. It is made up of members of the i-CITY ComEx, the Mayor or their representative, and two representatives of the City's Management Committee. It met twice in 2024.
The final evaluation of the Management Contract is scheduled for the end of 2025.
Social Dialogue, Works Councils and Workplace Prevention and Protection Committees
The Works Council and the Occupational Health and Safety Committee meet once a month to discuss human resources management and working conditions.
The year 2024 saw the installation of a Trade Union Delegation within the ASBL.
The Works Council is informed and consulted on socio-economic issues. The CPPT is informed and consulted on matters relating to labour protection. These two bodies are elected every four years. The organisation of the social elections in May 2024 began at the end of 2023. The DS is a non-elected body whose role is to negotiate company agreements.
In 2024, two company agreements were signed concerning regular teleworking and the purchasing power bonus.