Public-facing challenge creation is a type of challenge-based procurement model that leverages the life-experience, expertise, and crowd-sourcing benefits of engaging the public directly in identifying and defining the challenges local governments seek to address. As with challenge-based procurement, the idea is not to have residents define solutions, but to help specify all aspects of the problem and maybe even help evaluate potential solutions. While this process can be more time-consuming, it also has numerous benefits that can make sure that solutions have a much greater likelihood of impact and success. This process can help ensure problems are properly identified and understood by government officials before going out for proof of concept projects or fuller procurement. They also can help ensure a smooth rollout and implementation of any new technology solutions by getting buy-in from the public and community groups early.
- High-impact, High-difficulty
- Example: NYC Office of the Public Advocate’s For the People Innovation Program (in progress)
- Next Steps: Scope out a plan to engage community groups and residents in facilitated process to start identifying and defining challenges technology can help address. Reach out to local civic hacker groups or design-thinking organizations like Code for America brigades for some help in designing the program.