With local governments across the nation facing financial hardships and budget ills, many civic projects oriented towards community development have been pushed to the side because of unavailable funds. While projects focused on improving public transportation or building playgrounds do not top the to-do list in municipalities struggling financially, these are nonetheless important initiatives that can have wide-reaching consequences on communities if put in place; their absence at best will save local governments money but will also keep communities in a rut. However, Neighbor.ly—a new crowdfunding platform modeled after Kickstarter—is placing power in the hands of the people and allowing them to invest in civic projects they care about and would like to see put in place. Local government organizations, institutions, and private or nonprofit groups can submit civic projects to the platform; once featured, individuals and companies are able to contribute funds towards the implementation of the plans.
Although only a few months old, Neighbor.ly has already seen several successful projects funded and launched. Recently, donors have raised more than $400,000 so far to expand a new bike-sharing program in Kansas City. From the funding raised on Neighbor.ly, the program will be expanded into more neighborhoods and more bicycles will be purchased, allowing a larger number of residents to participate in the program.
This kind of platform could be great news for Chicago. What are some projects Chicago residents would like to see featured and potentially funded?