There's an app for that-How the city is losing the battle with technology.

Just launched yesterday, the city of Ridgeland released its first app in the state for its municipality. Amazing for the most part, but what we can say more than that is how informative it is and great for cities that have applications to support their everyday activities and support. During the mayoral race, neither candidate mentioned how they would work with technology groups and technology itself to help move the city forward into the future. Technology is important. A lot of the things the citizens of the city do on a day to day basis can be contained and managed there. From paying utility bills, to even paying tickets if they created the program to do so. It was once said that in the school district of jackson, that the children were not learning because of the lack of better technology and the accessibility thereof.

The preceding years have seen that statement thrown to the winds as the district has invested hand over fist in fully supplying the technological needs of the children of the district, even without the best results in the world. So why has this element been overlooked for the tax paying citizens of the city. A lot of conversations that are held in different neighborhoods revolve around the premise that there is NOTHING TO DO IN JACKSON. But if you drive downtown, you may, or may not, see signage for the next big event sponsored in part by companies that are working together to bring light to the city. But what about those who don't go into that area? What about those who are just home bodies simply because they don't feel the need to travel because after all, there is not much to do. When we made a post about the arts/entertainment side of Jackson, Phillip Rollins responded with a list of things we knew not much of that were thriving without much support in the city.

Imagine an app similar to the city of Ridgeland's that puts it all right at your fingertips on the who,

what, where, and how to get in contact with any and everything that is going on. Its easier than reading the paper for some or even asking for insight from their cubicle neighbor. But, you do have some that feel like the city is old fashioned. That new things are not welcomed and unwanted. I would challenge those to research how the Duling district and Fondren after 5 are thriving with monthly event just by mainly their own social media outlets. This is the day of technology. It make so many things easier. Just look at all the places that have apps. Restaurants, retail stores, car dealerships, cable companies, and the list goes on. Why does the leadership of the city feel that this should not be priority one for the city. Even the local news stations have apps to keep people informed.

The benefit that it would do for the municipality would be great. Imagine a portal for people to sign up for events and RSVP for special occasions with the swipe of a finger and the input of their personal information. Technology is a tool to bridges where there are oceans to cross. To get the attention of outside businesses and keep the inhabitants informed in the activities and entities that make the city great. What would it require. For those who know much about it, the only requirement is capitol and time to plant a seed and watch it grow. With a tourism board, you would think that these things are already being taken care of. But the JCVB keeps their site updated with only things visitors and citizens may want to see. Its time to go mobile with the city and the people in it. Failure to do so will leave a lot of the population waddling in the mud looking as if they had no idea we were so behind the power curve.

We have to compete, and we have to become what other areas are. For this simple tool, a data center and the proper hands maintaining it is all that is required. Aid people in stepping up their business
avenue as well as their look. It is the least the city should do for those who are still here fighting. There are a massive amount of tech companies located in and out of the metro. We have nowhere to look but in our own business support pool to make this happen. No back door deals, no shady communication. Let this not be another David Watkins ghost project where money is spent and nothing gets done. Push the issue. Stand up and be counted.

 #BBJ
Bring Back Jackson

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Sidebar: I look forward to the next political debate to be streamed and taking questions from a live audience. What are you waiting for?

Sidebar 2: With overloaded court rooms, wouldn't it be  easier to have a portal for citizens to pay court fines online?