IPCE Research Partnerships


CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND LOCAL E-GOVERNMENT: SOCIAL NETWORKING COMES OF AGE

 

 Karen Mossberger, Ph.D., mossberg@uic.edu

 Department of Public Administration

 

 

 


  Yonghong Wu, Ph.D., yonghong@uic.edu

  Department of Public Administration

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract:

 

This study examined features on local government websites that could contribute to civic engagement, through 1) information about government and community, and 2) through interactive or participatory opportunities online. The study conducted a content analysis of government websites in the 75 largest U.S. cities and 20 largest Illinois cities between March and the beginning of May 2011, using a composite score to rank the results.  Comparing the results to a previous 2009 study finds that there has been some change overall in the two years, as many cities that were further behind have moved up in the ranking due to increasing their social networking activities. 

Executive Summary         [Click Here]
Full Report                        [Click Here]

CAN E-GOVERNMENT PROMOTE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT?
A study of local government websites in Illinois and the U.S. 
 

 Karen Mossberger, Ph.D., mossberg@uic.edu

 Department of Public Administration

 

 

 

 

 Benedict Jimenez, Ph.D. Candidate

 Department of Public Administration

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract:

 

Local government is uniquely positioned to encourage citizen participation, and this study investigates the current practice of e-government and the potential for facilitating civic engagement (in politics, policy, and community affairs). We find that for the 75 largest U.S. cities, local government websites provide many types of information that could facilitate knowledge and participation, and interactivity is common through online transactions and customized information, and mechanisms for feedback such as comment forms or surveys. While these trends are important, there is little that resembles online deliberation or discussion; interactions are mostly one-way, with citizens providing feedback to government officials, at best.

Executive Summary         [Click Here]
Full Report                        [Click Here]

Related articles:

Digital Excellence in Chicago: A Citywide View of Technology Use    [Click Here]
 
 

 

CivicSource

Arman


 

Civic Engagement Web Portal

A web portal that hosts a wide range of civic engagement and policy information, learning tools, and opportunities to connect with civic engagement efforts.


Visit www.civicsource.org

IPCE is part of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA). CUPPA is a nationally recognized innovator in education, research, and engagement in support of the nation's cities and metropolitan areas. To learn more about CUPPA's research centers and academic programs, visit CUPPA's web site. 

 

CUPPA's Research Centers include the Center for Urban Economic Development   |  Great Cities Institute  |   Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement  |   Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy  |   Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement  |    Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Laboratory  |   Survey Research Laboratory  |   Urban Data Visualization Laboratory  |   Urban Transportation Center.


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