We had a good start in launching Open Up Long Beach with our first meeting last week. Not only did residents attend but also our City Clerk, Larry Herrera and our Director of Technology Services, Curtis Tani were there to listen to residents' suggestions of how we can improve access to information about Long Beach.
Below are the notes taken as we brain stormed what is needed:
Website is an information tool and needs to be clearer and publicized
Why is it needed?
Loss of millions to cities (because of the end of RDA)
Residents need information to be easily available
Communication is needed between residents
Increase knowledge and involvement around local issues
Need public contract negotiations with an unbiased, independent negotiator
Source of campaign contributions to local officials
Open meetings
Public event info from one source
More openness about where the money goes
RDA
Other revenue
Needs to be published and available
Public library computer access – training for city website usage
Website
Need to encourage participation by residents
People will engage with an issue that is important to them
Use of wikis
Technologies need to be dynamic, organic
Need to provide people with a sense of confidence
Give people easy access to common information
Reduce budget impact
Provide contact info for related department on each page on website
Implement a search engine function
Connect people with local groups
Below are the notes taken as we brain stormed what is needed:
Website is an information tool and needs to be clearer and publicized
Why is it needed?
Loss of millions to cities (because of the end of RDA)
Residents need information to be easily available
Communication is needed between residents
Increase knowledge and involvement around local issues
- Residents need data and background information – how can we focus and use information effectively?
Need public contract negotiations with an unbiased, independent negotiator
Source of campaign contributions to local officials
Open meetings
Public event info from one source
More openness about where the money goes
RDA
Other revenue
Needs to be published and available
Public library computer access – training for city website usage
Website
- Include all city council links to follow what is happening and how it is being handled
- Need a visible flow chart of people and departments on the website homepage
- Work with City College students for help and ideas with software/IT/web development
Need to encourage participation by residents
People will engage with an issue that is important to them
Use of wikis
Technologies need to be dynamic, organic
Need to provide people with a sense of confidence
Give people easy access to common information
Reduce budget impact
Provide contact info for related department on each page on website
Implement a search engine function
Connect people with local groups