Web Programs Help Cities Connect with Citizens

Posted by Kayla on Wednesday, April 21, 2010

online-social-networking-2A recent Next American City article highlights the trend of cities around the country that have begun to utilize free online web applications in order to more easily connect with their residents.

Social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter are becoming increasingly popular methods of communication between local government and the community.  In addition to an official website, many cities are creating blogs through free websites such as WordPress and Blogger, and City Council and committee meetings are increasingly appearing online through websites like YouTube.  The increase in access to the activities of city government creates a positive trend towards more accountability and transparency in local government.

Last year, the City of Pittsburgh and Yinzcam released the innovative iPhone application iBurgh for City of Pittsburgh residents, allowing them to quickly photograph and report problems to the City’s 311 service.  Pittsburgh also has begun to broadcast City Council meetings online through the City of Pittsburgh website.

Read more about free web applications for cities in the New American City article.

Pittsburgh’s Transformation

Posted by Kayla on Wednesday, September 30, 2009

ceoYesterday, City Councilman Bill Peduto gave a presentation at the CEOs for Cities National Urban Leaders Summit in Washington D.C.

Councilman Peduto joined other Pittsburgh leaders Scott Bricker from Bike Pittsburgh, Mariann Geyer from Point Park University, Erik Lingren from Venture Outdoors, and Eve Picker from no wall productions in a presentation entitled City Update: Pittsburgh’s Transformation.

The group discussed the urban renewal of Pittsburgh that has begun to receive national attention, and ultimately led to Pittsburgh’s selection as the site for last week’s G-20 summit.  They addressed how the changes have been made possible, and what is in store for Pittsburgh in the future.  They also discussed how the community has been enabled to take action, and what role new social media technology will play in this transformation.

Learn more about CEOs for Cities.


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  • Thank you so much for sharing and participating. This was such a fun project!
    Kate Stoltzfus on HOW MANY REASONS ARE THERE TO LIVE IN PITTSBURGH?
  • What's wrong with you? Send the tax bills out at the current milege amd worry abiut refunds later? Do you know a hardship this will cause for a lot of people. Get the assessments right first and then worry about the tax bills. My assessment tripled with my land assessment raised 1000%. That's right 1000%. One of my neighbor's assessment quadrupled. You come and look at my property and tell me why it's worth so much. Plus, I have to carry mine subsidance insurance because I'm sitting on a coal seam that could colapse at any time. I live across the street from a rental priperty that's a slum and another house has bars on tje windows because they were robbed. My assessment has so many incirrect things on it. Who did these anyway? Some guy sitting in an office somewhere who arbitrarily decided what is and is not. This says my house was remodeled in 1991. Everything in the house is the same as when it was vuilt except for normal updates luke water heater, furnace, etc unless you consider wimdows remodeling. They aren't even worth it becausei can feel the cold air coming in. I hope you get voted out of office. You certainly are NOT for the people.
    Elaine Branson on GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS COUNCIL: BUSINESS, MEET THE ARTS!
  • Very inovative, and to comment by Eric S., this is bringing attention to your area from all around the country. It shares all that Pittsburgh has to offer and I am certain people who do not win will consider Pittsburgh favorably. I have considered Pittsburgh as a viable option, with the additional information I am learning it continues to rais on my list of where to move to.
    Deanna on HOW TO WIN $100,000 TO MOVE TO PITTSBURGH
  • Should we really be bribing people to move to Pittsburgh? How about spending $100,000 to develop an advertising campaign for the region instead and attract more than one new person?
    Eric Singer on HOW TO WIN $100,000 TO MOVE TO PITTSBURGH
  • I am soooo glad someone has paid attention to those of us between 45 and death! We still have so much to offer the world and a true desire to do so. We are still dreaming and planning and doing and living. Thank you for recognizing a valuable asset to community planning---the older, experienced person. I am so sick of hearing you're 'overqualified' and expected to be put out to pasture (or as a babysitter). I'm only 53 and I have a lot of dreams l have left to seek. I definitely will be applying!
    Ronda on HOW TO WIN $100,000 TO MOVE TO PITTSBURGH
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