Web Coding for More Transparent and Effective City Governments

Posted by Shayna Pollock on February 01, 2011 |

In an article on the potentials of coding, Fast Company  explores the web as a platform for citizen involvement. Gov 2.0, which uses “public-spirited innovation” to develop social media focused on developing more effective city governments, has the potential to provide cost-effective solutions around the country by encouraging action. For example, New Haven’s SeeClickFix website started as a mechanism for reporting pedestrian safety problems. Now, citizens are utilizing the site to form lobbying groups and to create better neighborhoods. Similarly, Code for America, a one-year fellowship that places coders with a variety of city governments, works to promote gov 2.0 on a larger basis. By placing 20 young and inspired coders throughout American cities, Code for America hopes to develop transparent and effective web applications that promote civic engagement and improve city governments. This new form of municipal innovation could be the bright future of citizen participation in city government.  

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