Leveraging Citizen-Sourced Data for 2020 Census

As the capital of Silicon Valley, the City of San José knows that technology can be a great tool to address public problems. We also know that without people, those solutions can only go so far. Putting these values to work, we joined forces Cities of Service in a unique effort – to test a new community address mapping methodology and text messaging tool that will help the city prepare for the 2020 Census.

To get involved in the Census effort, contact Jeff Ruster at jeff.ruster@sanjoseca.gov.

Download the Citizen Sourced Data Toolkit here.

Learn more at Cities of Service.

Gaming as a gateway towards civic participation

Leveraging augmented reality gaming platform to engage its users as volunteers in service opportunities that include registering low-income, underrepresented residents to vote.

Increasing citizen insights and dialog through online surveys

Through quick surveys, the City is opening up a two way dialogue with residents so they can provide feedback that will be used to make community decisions. Resident get updates on the outcomes and can engage on other issues important to them.

Partnership with Gaming partner, Niantic, makers of Pokemon Go to increase Voter Engagement and Community Education around Homelessness

Following the successful partnership where we engaged 35,000 PokemonGo players to a City event called Viva Calle, the City of San Jose continued its partnership with Niantic – an augmented reality gaming platform – to engage users in volunteer service opportunities that register residents in low-income, underrepresented neighborhoods to vote. The project is distinctive in that it is utilizing a nontraditional approach for encouraging civic participation. Through partnering with a technology and gaming company, we are leveraging a large existing user base and an approach that can scale the civic and social impact of our efforts. Lead by the City’s Park, Recreation and Neighborhood Services department, another project involved leveraging the platform to inform and educate Players about one of the most critical issues affecting San Jose: Homelessness. This engagement built empathy between Players and those affected by homelessness. Players participated in a scavenger hunt through the platform. At each scavenger location, they learned more about the issues around homelessness through a posted billboard and a service provider. When a Players completed the scavenger hunt, Niantic made a donation to a local service providers. Players were also encouraged to donate needed hygiene items to service providers at an information fair.

Using digital signage to drive users and increase access to City services in the Libraries

Working with City Departments to promote underutilized services and promote upcoming events on digital signs that are installed on ride-sharing cars.

Applying behavioral insights to increase diversity on Boards and Commissions

Using behavioral insights to increase applications on the City’s 17 Boards and Commissions that do not require subject expertise from people of color and building evidence around what works to boost diversity.

To learn more, volunteer, donate or partner on this initiative, please fill out this form.