In today’s world, revolutions begin electronically.  Armies are assembled with the touch of a few buttons.  It is easier than ever to have your voice heard.  So why not use that voice to improve your city?

I am happy to introduce you to the Government 2.0 concept.  This genre of web and mobile based applications are bridging the gap between you and your local government.  Utilizing these products, the proactive citizen can email issues or photos directly to city officials.  See a sign that needs to be fixed?  Unsettled with funding appropriations in your area?  Did Garbage pickup omit your house?   Here is your chance to let the powers that be know about it.

For those of you in Birmingham, my good friend Evan Metrock, through his startup Metrocket LLC, has just released an iPhone application that does exactly this.  It is called Better Birmingham, and the product is free for download through the iTunes app store.  A simple form assembles all pertinent information and sends it to the appropriate office.  Contact information is included for the communities of Vestavia, Hoover, and Mountain Brook and will expand to the entire Birmingham area in future versions.

If you live elsewhere, you may also be in luck.  New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and other major metropolitan areas have been utilizing the applications for a while now to streamline Transit Systems and Public Relations. Bypass the red tape and get things done in your city!

DoGood!

matt

Feel free to email me: matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in writing a guest post!