For the past 20-years Boston has enjoyed the leadership of a mayor who, while beloved for his affinity for descending upon countless neighborhood events and connecting with residents on a direct level, was not one who completely embraced social media. Though Mayor Tom Menino did get the ball rolling on a number municipal platforms, it is Mayor Marty Walsh who's truly bringing City Hall into the Digital Age.
The Mayor kicked off his first term at the helm of Boston by noting candidly that he's not the most tech savvy individual. That struck Boston's innovation crowd as peculiar. After all, how could someone not well versed in technology make their city the tech capital of the world? The answer: lead by example.
When Mayor Walsh first attempted to engage with locals on social media, we didn't know what to expect. But as is the case when honing any particular skill, he kept at it. Now, less than six months into the job, one could easily mistake him as a seasoned veteran. But social media is more than just dispatching 140 characters over microblogging platform. There's plenty more that's taken place behind the scenes, much of which is responsible for keeping Boston moving like a well-oiled machine.
See for yourself:
1. Chats, Q&As and AMAs
The most visible aspect of Mayor Walsh's social media engagements have been the tęte–ŕ–tętes he's hosted on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit. Looking back on all of them, it's easy to see how steadily he's improved. He started out dropping short sentences and even one-word answers but has noticeably become comfortable enough using each network that his quick wit has begun to show. He's also seen a solid statistical increase in many of the facets that comprise social media.
2. Wicked Free Wi-Fi
What good is social media if you can't even connect to the internet? Mayor Walsh recognized that in order to be a preeminent and international tech powerhouse, the residents of his city need consistent access to it. With Wicked Free Wi-Fi, Bostonians can now enjoy free wireless internet access in a bevy of city-run spaces and public parks.
3. Snow Removal
Yes, spring will soon begin its transition into summer and yes, you don't want any reason to recall the recent winter months. But despite the constant pounding of heavy snow and nor'easter winds, Boston was able to keep up with the demand for plowed streets and clear sidewalks, largely in part due to its social media. Though both Citizens Connect and SnowCop – two vital tools for making sure Boston keeps its head above the snow – were both launched before Mayor Walsh's time in City Hall, he and his team have harnessed their power to give Public Works real-time updates on the biggest problem areas for snow. Clear Boston streets equal a clear mind.
4. New Urban Mechanics
Another initiative inherited from the Menino administration, the New Urban Mechanics are charged with investigating and experimenting ways to make widespread civic improvements. Many of their projects were initiated during the Menino era, but Mayor Walsh is pushing them even further. In fact, the Mayor just authorized the acceptance of a $10,000 grant to be used at the New Urban Mechanics's discretion for website upgrades and new endeavors.
5. Open Sourcing City of Boston Data
Part of making Boston a worldwide innovation hub means affording its residents, startups, accomplished executives and everybody in between access to municipal data. By signing an executive order open sourcing city data, people can now check out the more than 425 datasets online here, ranging from number of pothole complaints to food establishment inspections to city employees' salaries.
6. Chief Digital Officer
Boston is currently seeking a Chief Digital Officer, a position within the Department of Innovation and Technology that will oversee all things digital. The CDO will be tasked with overseeing the City's web, cable and e-government team; support social media strategies; and continue to push Boston toward greater technological accessibility and openness.
With all this in mind, if you have any interest in hearing Mayor Walsh speak on the importance of technology's and social media's role in governance, be sure to check out BostInno's State of Innovation forum, set for June 12 at the Westin Waterfront.
