Online Event Example: Citizen Input
In 2001, Maryland state representative Peter Franchot wanted to use the web to alert citizens to a change in the schedule of payments for property taxes. The change resulted in a one-time cash rebate and necessitated process adjustments in the counties where property taxes are paid. We created a web site to serve as a point of information for residents, and in the summer produced a two week online event for residents to describe their experiences with the program.
The online input from Marylanders pinpointed specific parts of the program where more information was needed, not only for citizens, but for county and state administrators and the mortgage lenders.
In a slightly seditious fashion, this site and forum were in place in parallel with the normal programs of public information created when public law is changed.
