*** PRESS RELEASE ***
RECOVERYSF LAUNCHES ‘VOTE ON IDEAS’ FEATURE TO THE PUBLIC
http://apps.sfgov.org/recoverysf_discussion/
San Francisco—Today RecoverySF.org launched a new pilot feature that allows the public to suggest and vote on ideas related to stimulus funding investments. The ‘Vote on Ideas’ feature is part of the city’s continuing efforts to engage the community through new channels of communication. The RecoverySF Online Discussion is a web application that allows the public to submit and vote on ideas for specific topics related to the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The goal is to harness the collective intelligence of San Franciscans to help shape local ARRA investments.
“Providing residents with tools that leverage the wisdom of our community is an exciting opportunity for San Francisco to continue its long tradition of innovation and creativity,” said Mayor Newsom. “With this collaborative pilot with the public, we are making a difference by utilizing simple and zero-cost tools to better compete for and allocate ARRA funding.”
The technology platform being used allows residents to submit ideas, discuss and refine others’ ideas, and vote for the best. The City will provide specific topics related to ARRA that will help focus the discussion.
The first discussion question is: What ideas, tools, programs and approaches can help expand broadband access and adoption in underserved areas, expand the capacity of public computing centers and improve access to broadband by public safety agencies?
“Dealing with the paramount issues at hand requires direct participation and partnership with our community,” said Kyri McClellan, Mayor Newsom’s Stimulus Czar. “San Francisco understands this and is piloting a new avenue for public discourse. We encourage everyone to participate in these discussions to help promote creative solutions to the daunting challenges and opportunities we face.”
To view the new features go to:
http://apps.sfgov.org/recoverysf_discussion/