Overview:
CitySandbox is a participatory platform enabling users to flag sites on a map of the city of Berkeley about which they want to ask questions, make proposals, and collaborate with other residents. Available at citysandbox.com
Location: Berkeley
Year: 2011
Purpose:
Broad participation in public life is key to democracy. A simple but powerful app called CitySandbox aims to make participation easier and more direct for everyone, starting with residents of the city of Berkeley. The Social Apps Lab launched the map-based website (still in a beta version) to bridge the gap between local neighborhood knowledge and larger political institutions by focusing on democratic participation in city life.
Residents use CitySandbox to flag sites on the map of Berkeley and pose questions to other users. For example, someone could ask “why is the lot at Harrison and 6th Street empty and unused?” Other users can reply with answers to questions. For example: “That lot is owned by the City following foreclosure several years ago,” or “I was wondering the same thing; let’s do something about it!” They can also pose “challenges,” such as “Let’s come up with a plan to make a community garden on this empty lot.” Users can then upload proposals and vote on them. The website platform lets users create “events,” such as organizing a meeting with a city council member to present their plans for the community garden.
City administrators are “looking to find ways to engage residents in local urban citizenship,” says Holston. “Work at the Social Apps Lab generates opportunities to make that happen.” Berkeley City Councilmember Gordon Wozniak, whose District 8 includes much of the UC Berkeley campus, says that getting feedback from his constituents is a major challenge. Wozniak hopes to employ CitySandbox to strengthen participation around Berkeley, especially among students who are accustomed to using their computers and phones to engage.
CitySandbox helps residents find ways to make their engagements with the physical and social conditions of city living more meaningful and actionable. It aims to engage local residents in critical thinking, gathering data that can be prioritized, and turning the results into civic action.
Researchers and Contributors: James Holston, Greg Niemeyer, Social Apps Lab apprentice students