Promoting Online Public Engagement & Increasing Civic Engagement

Abstract

To increase public engagement in Howard County and the Columbia Association, this report provides strategies for online and in-person engagement activities and programs. It suggests that both organizations continue to develop strong technology infrastructure, such as optimizing Wi-Fi services, maximizing the OpenHoward Data Portal’s effectiveness, and investing in mobile website design. Both groups can use virtual meetings, streaming TV, and social media to interact with residents. To include the entire population in the decision-making process, the County can design programs specific to various age and ethnic groups. These strategies are intended to assist the County government in collecting residents’ feedback more efficiently and effectively, which will help build a stronger community and make Howard County a better place to live.