Our aim is to create an app that strengthens citizen engagement/knowledge on key sustainability and resiliency challenges facing Boulder. In the face of environmental, social & economic challenges exacerbated by changing climate conditions: there is a need for an increase in community engagement, preparedness, and solutions to not only bounce-back, but to bounce-forward (in reference to 100 Resilient Cities).

To fill the gaps in resiliency education, the app serves as a platform to pair ‘mentors’ that have expertise in the above topics (and beyond), and community members that have an interest in learning about these issues from fellow citizens/organizations. The key is to disseminate knowledge & solutions that are helpful to individuals, neighborhoods, and non-profits. To act as a catalyst for a stronger community & to develop a network of resiliency stewards.

App components: User profiles for ‘mentors’ that specify expertise/interest (e.g. a tech professional discussing the food, energy, water nexus). A forum for individuals to post desired workshops (e.g. skills for a career transition; wildfire prevention measures). Matching mentors & members both online & in the community. A forum for citizens to engage and exchange a flow of ideas and discussions. To facilitate scheduling and space (e.g. partnering with Simple Energy; Rally Software). Creating an open-source API that can be scaled and used by NGO’s or the City to expand knowledge base, locate leaders & advance their mission(s).

Applications: Can be used as an extension to the current outreach programs the City of Boulder’s Climate & Sustainability Division provides. Measures of success: creating a relevant tool to consistently match mentors/members in the community, adoption of API usage, and tracking development through data analytics and direct feedback from app users.

In a nutshell: an innovative app at the intersection of technology & sustainability to create a brighter, more resilient Boulder.