Folsom partners with Change.org to pilot 'Ideas for Change'

The City of Folsom is launching a new partnership with nonprofit civic engagement platform Change.org to pilot "Ideas for Change," an initiative designed to gather community-driven solutions to local challenges. There is no cost to the city to participate in the program. Now through May 15, Folsom residents can share ideas, respond to others, and help identify priorities for the community. After the input period, Change.org will analyze submissions to identify the topics that resonate most. A diverse group of residents will then be invited to participate in guided discussions to refine those ideas into practical, actionable proposals. "Strong communities are built through listening and collaboration. This partnership gives residents a meaningful way to engage, share ideas, and help identify solutions that reflect what matters most to Folsom, said Mayor Justin Raithel. "The City of Folsom is committed to reviewing what comes forward and exploring how we can move those ideas ahead." Through a mix of online forums and virtual dialogue, the initiative is designed to highlight what matters most to residents and reflect a broader, more representative cross-section of the community. The results will help inform future decision-making, with findings expected later this summer. "Change.org will host an online space where residents can not only share their own ideas about what would be good for the city, but also support and build on others' ideas. Our process engages a wide range of community members and builds consensus around practical policy solutions," said Duncan Lockard, general manager of civic dialogues at Change.org. "We are excited to engage residents of Folsom and bring their ideas to city leadership." Similar programs have been piloted in cities such as Bozeman, Montana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Local community partners are also supporting the initiative, helping to inform initial ideas and encourage broad participation across the city. This effort will supplement existing community engagement tools, including public meetings, surveys, and outreach events, by reaching residents who may not typically participate. Residents can visit ideasforchange.org/folsom to submit ideas or vote on existing suggestions. For more information, email contact@ideasforchange.org.