Bend launches online discussion spot

The city of Bend said Wednesday it has launched a new online service to enhance community engagement and provide a forum for residents to offer suggestions on how to improve the way the city does business.

The new Web portal, www.BendVoice.org, is a moderated online discussion forum where residents can offer ideas and comment or vote on the ideas provided by others.

“BendVoice.org makes citizen participation more convenient, accessible and effective,” the announcement stated.

Users can suggest a new service, a service improvement, a policy change or other recommendation.

It also invites users to visit subject specific discussion forums on projects the city is currently exploring, such as Third Street redevelopment and ideas for job creation.

The ideas and other feedback contributed on BendVoice.org go directly to city leadership.

“We’re here to listen and we want to hear from the community,” said City Manager Eric King. “This site will make our community engagement process more accessible and ensure we are doing all we can to solicit input from the entire community – not just those who can attend in-person meetings.”

BendVoice.org is powered by Granicus. It’s designed to simplify civic engagement through built-in social collaboration and crowdsourcing.