Local governments are using social media tools, such as Twitter and Facebook, to help enhance their relationship with citizens by creating new avenues of interaction.  Social media enables government to become more transparent by providing up-to-date information about programs and operations as well as enabling citizens to participate more directly with local government by providing feedback. 

Social Media Strategy Resources

Can Social Networking Lead to a Rebirth in Civic Engagement?
Ted Wheeler
Multnomah County, Ore.
Board of Commissioners, Chair

How Will Web 2.0 Transform Local Government 
Bill Schrier
Digital Communities Magazine

Governing in the Age of Web 2.0
Bill Schrier
Digital Communities Magazine

Social Networking: Not Just Web Toys, But an e-Government Tool?
Cole H. Cheever, e-Gov Gateway Managing Editor

Blog or Be Blogged  
ICMA

Social Media in Public Life
ICMA

Can Social, Participatory Gov 2.0 Work
Todd Newcombe

Counties Enter MySpace-YouTube Generation
Charles Taylor - NACO