D.C. Transparency Gets an Electronic Boost

dcogcadmin | March 3, 2010

The website GovFresh, which "works to inspire government-citizen collaboration and build a more engaged democracy," has highlighted the work of two District employees recently in its Gov 2.0 Hero column. 

The website GovFresh, which "works to inspire government-citizen collaboration and build a more engaged democracy," has highlighted the work of two District employees recently in its Gov 2.0 Hero column. 

On March 2nd, Mike Rupert, Communications Manager for the District’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, was profiled as a Gov 2.0 Hero.  Rupert started a Twitter account and a blog to help the agency connect with D.C. college students and help them communicate concerns about their landlords to the agency in a friendly forum.  Rupert says that the efforts have changed the way the agency operates: "By being responsive and providing our customers – DC residents – with an immediate outlet to get an immediate response we have really changed our image. Personifying the agency through social media – and using a little personality when appropriate – has chipped away at that big, flashing ‘Bureaucracy’ sign that looms over almost all government agencies."

On March 1st, the Gov 2.0 Hero column profiled John Lisle, the Public Information Officer for the District Department of Transportation.  Lisle says the department uses MySpace, Facebook and Twitter to communicate with residents, and noted the particular success of the Twitter feed during the recent record-setting snowstorms.  Residents were able to receive updates from the department, as well as post photos and reports of unplowed streets.  GovFresh