In the digital age, with jaded responses to emails, less use of newspapers and with social media platforms dominating web surfing - Local Government is challenged by the legislated requirement for community consultation. The innovative new Council-Ratepayer Digital Communication App utilizes smart phone technology to facilitate fast and engaging two-way communication between Local Council and Ratepayers / Residents, producing instant metrics of public sentiment on policies and issues.
ENGAGE - COMMUNICATE - MEASURE
The Public-Democracy Smart Device App has been customised to meet the particular requirements of Local Council - Ratepayer interaction. This unique version is called "YourSay".
This innovative video-based App can inform Council of ratepayer sentiment on issues in a real-time manner and assist in making responsive decisions regarding the allocation of major budgetary items and policy directions for their community.
It also adds to the fulfillment of obligations that Councils have to communicate with and inform their ratepayers. It is not designed to replace currently existing methods but as an addition to these. that utilizes the benefits of contemporary smart phone technology.
Your Rate-Payers all carry mobile phones and tablets. The ‘YourSay’ App can greatly enhance the collection of valuable information and has valuable potentiall to reduce costs to Council by reducing reliance on more costly
traditional methods currently in use.
- The ‘Your Say’ App empowers Rate-Payers by allowing them to feel they have ‘a say’ in Council decisions.
- The environment of mobile smart technology encourages engagement, where the old methods fall short.
- In a fast moving world, Councils are able to collect highly relevant information rapidly and accurately.
The App can provide Council with instant and more accurate information regarding ratepayers’ feedback on proposed projects, over and above the current methods of information dissemination via Council’s website, and any local paper articles, Mayor’s columns and email distribution.
All of the existing methods can concurrently be used to encourage ratepayers and residents to participate in community life, by using the App to provide their responses, which Council can evaluate. We don’t recommend cancelling any of these established lines of communication, but rather to add the App service to obtain quicker, more accurate and more frequent information.
Particular emphasis has been placed on utilizing the product to assist Council in complying with its statutory obligations regarding community consultation and communication, while also helping Council to optimize its utilization of funds, and wherever possible to provide savings. Additionally, Council will have a very clear indication of ratepayers who are in favour or strongly oppose projects, which can provide evidencebased justification for Council’s decisions or help with early intervention to solve problems.
A ‘SMART’ TOOL FOR LOCAL COUNCILS
We provide complete support and training in setting up, customising and using the “YourSay” App so that Council can seamlessly integrate this valuable tool into their operatons
Provision : The App will be made available to ratepayers and residents as a free download. The ‘Dashboard’ driving the App will be provided to Council, also at no charge. Installation of the ‘Dashboard’ software will
be provided free of charge, on one of Council’s computers deemed suitable for the purpose.
Training: This will be provided as part of the installation at no charge, however at least two key people should be available from Council, along with any additional personnel that Council would like to be trained, in the
use of the product.
Usage: We would suggest that there be a trial and adjustment period of 3 months to ascertain the best way to obtain results for Council. After the 3-month period, Council can then either opt to discontinue the service or enter into a 3-year contract with Public-Democracy.
Initially we will assist in supervising the usage, with the aim of having Council use the product and service independently once the trial period is over.