‘Hot Spots Cool City’ page solicits “Walled Garden” link suggestions

Every once and a while I head over to the City of Grand Rapids ‘Hot Spots Cool City’ page to see if any new news has been posted. I just noticed that there’s a “Walled Garden” link suggestion field added to the page.

I wonder what kind of plans they have over there… interesting.

Reference links for community, general audience (for portal)

Local colleges
Tax forms
Tax help
Local event calendar
Local business directory
Local government, courthouse, Secretary of State, Police stations
Neighborhood associations
Local public and private schools
Parks and recreation
State and National Parks
School closings
Local TV station websites, WOOD TV8, WZZM 13, local cable networks etc.
Volunteer opportunities
Tutoring and mentoring resources
Flickr photos for the region
YouTube videos of the region
Public library and literary resources
Craigslist links, Grand Rapids specific
Homeowner resources
Home improvement resources
Community aid organizations
Childcare resources
Book clubs, interest meetups
After-school program resources
Job boards
Local healthcare resources
Local maps
Attractions, museums, parks, landmarks
Festivals, and city events
Local radio, public radio, local stations

What else does every community need to know? What should be common knowledge?

Client portal structure, draft

One of the projects that could be quite an undertaking is the client portal. Now, it’s not essential to the pilot, the beta or the final structure of the organization, but it would be a terrible mistake to not realize its benefit. It would solve so many potential issues, in one aggregated, organized online location.

Here’s a shot at a structure of the portal. And, as always, feedback (both positive and negative) is appreciated.

Philly Is On!

Philadelphia, PA has it together. Check out their Wireless Philadelphia informational website and their “New users” website, Philly Is On!

“Wireless Philadelphia was created to transform Philadelphia’s neighborhoods by making high-speed Internet access more available and affordable through Digital Inclusion – the initiative that helps people who are not online gain access with hardware, software, tech support/information, and broadband Internet service, so they can begin to use this technology to improve their educational, employment, health, and life opportunities.

Wireless Philadelphia will help all citizens, businesses, schools, and community organizations embrace this technology while strengthening the City’s economy, enhancing the visitor experience, and streamlining City services.”

It can be done, and done well. What do you think Grand Rapids?