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Greenfield launches system to connect officials, residents

GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) —  The city of Greenfield has a new way to get more people involved and engaged in city issues. City leaders recently purchased a new software that connects officials with the people living in Greenfield.

The software is called mySidewalk. It’s made up of two parts — a social network for Greenfield residents and a data system for city officials.  Anyone in Greenfield can now set up a mySidewalk account online for free.

It gives them opportunity to see what’s going on in their area, have conversations with neighbors or answer questions posed by city officials.

The social component gives people more access to city leaders. Officials said some people aren’t being heard by the city, because they aren’t able to make council meetings or because they don’t want to talk in front of big groups. The new site will allow people to weigh in on city projects or proposals online.

“A lot of people tend to be more comfortable talking about things online. We’re so used to it in our daily lives, we don’t even think about it. But you know, you can start up a conversation about anything on Facebook and Twitter. Or similar we’re really hoping we can get the same out of that — a very candid conversations with people about some of the projects we’re thinking about,” said Jenna Harbin, with the City of Greenfield Planning Department.

The other side of this software gives the city a look at very specific data throughout Greenfield. MySidewalk compiles census data, employment data and housing data. The city is also able to see detailed information about who people are, and where they’re posting from, when they’re weighing in on issues.

Officials say mySidewalk will save the city time and money, by giving them a better idea of what is needed and wanted in certain areas before they start on a project.

“We can go ahead and start the talks about these projects. Here’s a need that we see and here’s how this project is going to address it. Really, that gives us the ability to look at things in more of a data driven manner and immediately start showing people why what we’re doing is necessary.” said Harbin.

The city just set up the software this week, and soon they plan on posing some questions about specific projects they have in mind.