CK
Today’s Tech Tuesday Discussion 1.Some context about local governments adopting online engagement 2.Look across digital engagement tools for principles of how to choose and use 3.What are the opportunities for online tools to enhance public participation?
Testing the WatersTesting the Waters, May 2013 report with findings from 900 California local officials.
County Board / City Council County Board / City Council Planning Commission Other Boards & Commissions Directly Affected Residents “Professional” Citizens Advocates Service Providers Allegedly “Apathetic” Public Staff Experts
Benefits of Digital Engagement More diverse residents & more perspectives More informed participation; customized experience Concrete data for reporting and evaluation Develop more continuous engagement
Choosing Online Engagement Tools InformConsultInvolveCollaborateEmpower Web pages E-notify Videos/podca sts Simulations Survey/poll Invite feedback E-comment (& comment on others’ comments) Ideation Trade-offs Mapping Online forum Interactive community planning Hackathon Ideajam Citizens report and use data Neighbor to neighbor apps Purposes drive selection of tools: Adapted from IAP2 Spectrum of Participation
Draft Plan or Issue Policy Decision (also shared online) Community Meetings & Workshops Online Consultation Expand Perspectives/Options Public Hearings Council Meetings Shared Understanding of Key Issues Revised Plan/ Options shared online and offline Combining Online and Offline in Local Decision-Making Review Choices/Trade-offs
Local Government Examples Planning/Transportation Strategic Planning/Budgeting Specific Policies Quality of Life
AMBAG Long Range Transportation Plan
Effective Use of Online Engagement Define engagement purpose, how input will be used and outcomes shared 1 - Let Purpose Drive Tool(s) Clarify needed staff capacities -- plus audience, outreach, information strategy 2- Understand Staffing Needs Announce digital interface via multiple platforms/partners; seed the conversation 3 – Outreach Strategy Use online setting to provide visual information, tiered for different audiences 4 – Community Oriented Info Adopt a “learning attitude” for continuous improvement
Susan Stuart Clark Common Knowledge ckgroup.org/resources/publications/