Photo credit: Youtube / Governor Gavin NewsomCALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced February 23, California’s upcoming launch of the Engaged California website, a new pilot program to help create a town hall for the modern era.
“To hold the government accountable, ensuring that your ideas are actionable and that we are responding in real time,” said Newsom in a YouTube posting of the announcement. The comment section was disabled under the video.
The state said the program helps Californians have a say in decisions and plans, starting with how to recover from the Los Angeles firestorm.
Taiwan’s digital platform contributed to approval ratings increasing to over 70%
The Engaged California program is modeled after digital democracy efforts in Taiwan.
The vTaiwan platform, launched in 2015, has contributed to a rise in public trust in the government, with approval ratings increasing from 9% in 2014 to over 70% by 2020.
Newsom’s office said the Engaged California program will bring together Californians from all backgrounds to share ideas, agree on what’s important, and help guide the state’s actions.
Launch will focus on response to the Los Angeles firestorms
The program will start by focusing on the Los Angeles firestorms that burned over 37,000 acres, with more than 200,000 residents evacuated and 29 fatalities.
Residents affected by the fires expressed frustration over insufficient preparedness, including fire hydrants running dry and inadequate water supplies.
In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently dismissed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley due to concerns over the department’s preparedness and response. This decision sparked broader debates about the city’s disaster readiness.
The state said community members can share their ideas and experiences to help improve response.
For more information on Engaged California visit https://engaged.ca.gov/
