Local Government Challenge
If government is best run close to the people, then local self-governance is a cornerstone in the structure of our democratic political system.
But in a time of limited budgets, how can we make our local government more efficient and responsive?
Kolba is looking for activists as well as change-makers within government from across Armenia who have ideas for shaking up services, increasing accountability and empowering citizens.
Is this you? Then join us! 30th September, 2015 is the deadline for the submission of your ideas!
Government services tend to be designed and delivered from the top down. At best citizens are consulted, but at worst they are treated as passive recipients who get what someone else decides is necessary.
This practice does not make sense any more: top-down hierarchies struggle to meet the increasingly complex demands of modern society.
As it currently stands, the national government frames the principles and indicators of public service delivery and the municipalities are responsible for the actual implementation of the services. It is at the municipal level, where government is closest to the people, that we wish to innovate under this challenge.
Kolba believes that citizens should design services with government. We also think that citizens should hold government to account outside of elections. To this end, Kolba is creating opportunities for citizens to change their relationships with local government.
If you have an idea that could address one of these big issues, or if you are already working on these issues and you would like to increase your impact, Kolba would love to work with you.
Need a muse?
Try the fast idea generator. It is full of interesting ways to twist current approaches and generate creative ideas.
Some other cool examples of innovation in local government include:
- Peer-to-peer service delivery, for example family-by-family in Australia where the community finds and trains families who have been through tough times, pairs them with families who want things to change, and coaches families to grow and change together.
- Citizen feedback, for example the municipality of Tetovo in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia took a major step forwards with the launch of ‘My Municipality’which transform the way the citizens communicate their priorities to decision-makers. User-friendly touch-screens have been installed in the municipality offering citizens the chance to identify the top three priorities for themselves and their families.
- Entrepreneurs in residence, for example the San Francisco Mayor’s Office recruits entrepreneurs to find efficiencies, enhance productivity and provide better experiences to the public.
