This free SMS text-based platform works by having residents respond via text message to questions posted in various places around the City

Monrovia Asks: What New Business Would You Like to See?

Monrovia is launching a pilot program called "Textizen" allowing citizens to keep in touch with the city via text and is asking residents to use the service to recommend a new business in the Pavilions shopping

The City of Monrovia has been chosen for a pilot technology program to engage citizens: Textizen. This free SMS text-based platform works by having residents respond via text message to questions posted in various places around the City.  Joining the ranks of cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit and New Orleans, Monrovia has been chosen for one of 40 cities across the country to use this breakthrough technology.  From Old Town kiosks, business windows, to the Library and City Hall, Monrovians are asked questions on specific community topics. 

Starting with a Fill-Up Old Town campaign, the City's Economic Development Department is actively seeking out input from residents, shoppers and businesses via text message to weigh in on what new businesses the City should attract to Old Town. Those walking through Old Town and along Myrtle Avenue can expect to see posters and flyers asking them questions about why they came and what businesses they would like to see.  Anyone interested in answering merely need to text in the answer, and respond to several follow-up questions afterwards.

Textizen has been launched by the San Francisco-based non-profit, Code for America, allowing community members to sound off on issues using nothing more than a cell phone. For the next several months, Monrovia will be utilizing the technology across town, asking questions about business, parks, transportation and budgeting. The City of Monrovia encourages everyone with text capabilities to join in the discussion. Text messaging rates apply, and cell phone numbers will never be shared or used.

"Textizen is a very exciting new technology.  What we hope to do is hear all Monrovia voices, including the ones who maybe want to get involved in the City planning process, but don't have time to attend a community meeting, or take a longer survey," said City Manager Laurie Lile. "We encourage people to text in with ideas about bringing more business to our historic Old Town."

Initial Textizen questions will be posted on the City's website, www.cityofmonrovia.org, on the City's Facebook and Twitter feeds, and throughout the Old Town District.

What brings you to Old Town Monrovia?

A. Movies
B. To Dine        
C. To Shop        
D. Take a Stroll         
E. Friday Night Festival

Text A, B, C, D, or E to: (626) 219-0761