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Background
Project Goals
Important Dates
FAQs
Submissions
Download
Contact Info
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Update: The deadline for submitting Virtual Decatur Request for Information proposals was February, 2009. City staff reviewed all of the proposals and selected several to investigate in more depth. The project currently has no funding appropriated for it.
The City of Decatur is currently evaluating the use of virtual environment technology to encourage community networking, improve civic engagement, and promote economic development in the city. Immersive virtual environments, initially popularized by games such as World of Warcraft© and social networking sites such as Second Life©, are gaining popularity for use as educational and training tools. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently evaluating this technology to promote learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Visit NASA's website.
Similar to other social networking tools, Virtual Decatur will provide an environment in which residents, businesses, institutions and visitors can interact and connect around a common interest. However, it is it is imperative that the project go beyond the features of traditional virtual environments. The overarching purpose of this project is to allow users to interact with the City in new and innovative ways that are not possible in the real world. It is envisioned that the real world experience may be enhanced through participation in Virtual Decatur.
Potential features of Virtual Decatur could include:
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• Opportunities to gather citizen input on policies, topics of interest, city services, and prospective developments. |
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• A Virtual City Hall Tour with multimedia capabilities. |
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• Opportunities to earn coupons for use in real stores/retail establishments. |
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• Streaming video of public meetings, ideally with a chat room feature that allows viewers to comment. |
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• Access to visitors information (store hours, directions, weather, etc.) |
As part of the preliminary planning process, the City of Decatur has issued a Request for Information (RFI), to gauge whether use of this technology is feasible. This website includes key dates and other information for vendors interested in responding to the RFI. We welcome responses from vendors with a commitment to developing creative and effective ways of lowering costs while still meeting the goals outlined in this document.
>Virtual Decatur RFI (PDF)
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