With Washington focused on budget battles and partisan gridlock,
cities have emerged as the best source of government innovation. Our
residents are busier than ever and more dependent on their smart phones
and technology tools to keep them informed of not only what is happening
in the world, but what is happening in their local communities. With
this new reality, it is imperative that cities look at innovation as a
core service.

The City of Fremont has not waited for innovation
to impose itself on the organization. Instead it has taken several
innovation strides and continues to seek new ways of doing business.
Our most recent example is our new Business Website and accompanying Blog. But, there are other ways we are keeping our community engaged in the City’s growth.

Social Media: The
City’s model Social Media Program encompasses multiple social
networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and
LinkedIN. With hundreds of friends and followers, we are now sharing
information real-time.

Apps: The City has rolled out three apps for smartphones that directly support businesses and residents.

Fremont Open City Hall: This
online forum empowers residents and businesses to participate in City
government. The forum is designed to survey public opinion on a wide
variety of topics and issues facing the City, including land use
decisions. This adds a new dimension to the planning process by allowing
input beyond community meetings.

But even in the age of innovation, personalized contact is still a
valuable commodity. In addition to all of these tools, my phone number
still works too!