Imagine a city where nearly 8,000 residents come together to shape their community’s future—all through the power of artificial intelligence. That’s exactly what happened in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a vibrant city preparing for a significant population increase by 2050. County officials turned to innovative technology to engage the community in meaningful ways.
Community outreach often struggles to capture diverse perspectives. Traditional town hall meetings tend to attract a limited audience, frequently dominated by those with strong opinions, which may not reflect the majority. Conversely, large online surveys can create overwhelming datasets, making it difficult for officials to identify actionable insights. However, Bowling Green found a solution.
1. The Bowling Green Initiative
Earlier this year, Warren County partnered with a local strategy firm to create an engaging platform for residents to express their thoughts. Aimed at facilitating anonymous input, the initiative utilized Pol.is, an acclaimed open-source online polling tool known for its success in civic engagement, including notable achievements in Taiwan.
Residents were invited to share their vision for the community over the next 25 years, with the opportunity to vote on responses from others. Over 33 days, nearly 8,000 residents participated in the survey, contributing over a million responses and proposing around 4,000 unique ideas—from more green spaces to enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.
2. Analyzing Community Input
The collected data was synthesized using Sensemaker, an AI tool developed by Google’s Jigsaw technology incubator that processes extensive online conversations. This tool categorized responses into overarching themes, tracking consensus and differing opinions to create actionable recommendations.
Ultimately, Sensemaker identified 2,370 ideas that boasted an impressive 80% agreement among participants. Among the most popular suggestions were increasing healthcare specialists to improve local accessibility and repurposing vacant retail spaces to foster new dining options.
3. Expanding Reach and Inclusion
This online survey reached demographics that typically go unheard, including politically disengaged individuals and those unable to attend in-person meetings due to work obligations. Importantly, the survey supported multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for immigrant populations. This initiative resonated with people like Daniel Tarnagda, a local non-profit founder from Burkina Faso, who emphasizes the importance of including everyone’s voice.
4. Bridging Divides Through Anonymity
The Bowling Green project served as a significant proof of concept for Sensemaker. With anonymity removing political labels, residents discovered they enjoyed a surprising level of agreement about community needs. Yasmin Green, CEO of Jigsaw, highlighted how removing strong opinions can foster constructive dialogue and collaboration.
5. The Promise and Challenges of AI
While the Bowling Green initiative showcased the positive potential of AI in civic engagement, challenges remain. Privacy concerns related to data security cannot be overlooked, especially since data breaches can lead to significant risks for users. Moreover, biases inadvertently introduced by developers can undermine the equity of AI-generated insights.
However, when effectively managed, AI holds the promise of transforming civic engagement from mere surveys to genuine conversations that promote unity, echoing the success seen in Bowling Green.
Why is AI important for community engagement? AI enhances participation by processing large datasets efficiently, allowing for a more representative picture of community needs. It empowers citizens, enabling them to shape local policy in relevant and meaningful ways.
Can AI help in bridging political divides? Yes, as seen in Bowling Green, when individuals engage anonymously, they often discover common ground, paving the way for bipartisan support for various issues.
What other cities can learn from Bowling Green’s approach? Many cities could replicate this model by utilizing online platforms that prioritize anonymity and inclusivity, ensuring voices from all walks of life are heard in local decision-making processes.
As we explore the intersection of technology and community engagement, it’s clear that innovative practices can lead to genuine change. For more insights and discussions on community strategies and technology, visit Moyens I/O.