Social Media, Civic Engagement, and Technology Use in Local Government Agencies: Findings from a National Survey

Abstract

This report presents findings from a 2012 national survey of local governments on public participation, technology and social media use, and eGovernment, as part of a long-term research study interested in understanding the relationships between technology and civic engagement in local governments sponsored by the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The survey was administered to a randomly selected sample of agencies in local governments where the government is of sufficient size and capacity to purchase and use technology for civic engagement. The survey was administered to individuals working in five positions: City Manager/City Administrator, Director of Community and/or Economic Development, Finance Director, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Deputy Police Chief. A total of 2428 individuals received the invitation to participate, with 703 responding for a total response rate of 29%. This report draws from the statistical analysis of survey data and is organized into three sections: participation, utilization of technology and social media, and eGovernment.