SEATTLE, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Communication between governments and citizens is being revolutionized with the release of YouTown, a new platform that allows agencies to publish local news, events, maps, calendars, and services straight to the mobile devices of residents. "This is a big step towards mobile government," said Michael Riedyk, founder and CEO of DotGov, the Seattle-based company that created YouTown. "Cities won't have to worry about developing their own apps for different departments and agencies. They can now sign up at www.YouTown.com and go mobile within a few hours without any costs."
For agencies aiming to increase their use of technology to promote a culture of transparency and participation, YouTown fits the bill. The City of Enid, in northern Oklahoma, participated in the development process of the app and found it valuable as an avenue of connection to citizens and potential visitors alike. Enid is publishing local news and event feeds, descriptions of city services (like public transit information), and an impressive variety of maps that chart locations for family fun, fire stations, schools, dining, shopping, and beyond.
Derrick Silas, Web developer for the City of Enid, OK, was able to establish the city's mobile presence within a few hours. He says that his community is dedicated to involving citizens in the governing process "by any means necessary," and YouTown provides that interaction in a form that people already use often -- the mobile device. "YouTown allows us to be on the forefront of government mobile technology," commented Silas. "It allows Enid to maximize its dedication to providing current and prospective citizens, visitors, and businesses a means of two-way communication with the city."
(Article, Courtesy of PRNewswire, May 25, 2011, VIEW FULL ARTICLE AT PRNEWSWIRE)
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