Item - 2016.GM9.14
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Government Management Committee on January 4, 2016 and was adopted without amendment.
GM9.14 - Creation of a "Civic Hall"
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Government Management Committee:
1. Requested the Chief Corporate Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to review opportunities for the creation of a "Civic Hall", and report to the June 13, 2016 meeting of the Government Management Committee on:
a. The concept of a "Civic Hall" based on the civic model which has been developed in New York City. (http://civichall.org/about-civic-hall/);
b. Civic Hall envisioned as a vibrant year-round community center, collaborative work and event space, where diverse civic innovators work, network, learn and organize to solve civic problems - and at scale. It will include, but not be exclusive for technologists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, organizers, philanthropy professionals, journalists, researchers, and is dedicated to cutting-edge problem solving;
c. Opportunities for the space to be operated in either a government, or a private facility; and
d. Opportunities for both government funding, as well as sponsorships from corporate entities.
Origin
Summary
The Government Management Committee request the City of Toronto's Chief Corporate Office, the Chief Information Officer, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, work together, and be requested to review opportunities for the creation of a "Civic Hall", and report to the June 13, 2016 meeting of the Government Management Committee.
Civic technology is at a moment of definition and growth, when a diverse set of actors is uniting around the idea of advancing the use of technology for the public good. These varied participants need a place to congregate, a daily home base in the heart of Toronto, whether they are based here or based elsewhere. This civic technology field needs a hub that is functionally more engaging than hackathons and less structured than an incubator.
When these elements are combined, with knowledgeable leadership, more civic start-ups and larger scale partnerships will develop and solve civic problems, known and so far unrecognized.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/gm/bgrd/backgroundfile-86809.pdf