Mayor Walsh Introduces Resident Engagement Webpage
Published on November 14, 2022
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced a new online tool for city residents to get involved in local government and the community. The new “Resident Engagement” webpage makes it easier for people to learn about 35 agencies, boards, commissions, and committees affiliated with the City of Syracuse. as well as volunteer opportunities. The easy-to-use portal, available at goto.syr.gov/residentengagement, also lets users upload a simple application to be considered for opportunities.
“This new way of connecting with local government helps ensure opportunity for all. We need everyone – whether it’s starting up an Adopt-A-Block team in your neighborhood or serving on the Syracuse Public Art Commission,” said Mayor Walsh. “We hope this site makes it easier to find ways to offer time and talent to some wonderful openings across many different boards, committees, commissions, and initiatives.”
The webpage features two types of engagement:
Mayoral Appointments: structured commitments, most entities are governed by government charters or nonprofit by-laws and require an application and appointment from the Mayor. These are overseen by the City and other levels of government, such as Onondaga County, or nonprofit organizations. For each opportunity, users will find a brief overview of the specific responsibilities and size of the board, commission, committee, or appointment, as well as relevant information for residency requirements, compensation, and term limits. Some of the featured boards are designated by local laws for a specific purpose, and some are legally required to manage annual reports, public meeting minutes, and documents to make public the business they conduct. Others provide guidance that may influence policy making decisions by governments or nonprofit community organizations.
Volunteering: flexible time commitments offering a great way to connect with neighbors, and do not require an application.
The application can be found in the “Get Involved” section of the page, which allows users to select and apply for multiple openings using one single application.
The Resident Engagement page is a new addition to the redesigned and reorganized City of Syracuse website, goto.syr.gov/residentengagement announced on Sept. 30, 2022. The new site, the first major update of the City’s online presence since 2008, improves the City’s digital accessibility. Additionally, Syr.gov now functions better for the nearly 40% of users who have accessed the site using a tablet or mobile device. The site has other accessible features such as high contrast between text and background for visibility and to support those who are visually impaired; a translation button that will translate the site into Spanish, Arabic, Nepali, and Vietnamese; and an accessibility checker for the City’s content editors.