d) Enthusiasm from a growing number of city departments that recognize the power of the Internet to increase the efficiency and responsiveness of municipal services. Information maintained by the neighborhood Stabilization Team, the Assessor's Office and the Air Pollution Division are examples of departments who have made a concerted effort in recent months to provide more effective information.
e) Designation of the St. Louis Community Information Network as a Missouri Express Community with the resulting provision of telecommunications support and technical assistance, and growing communication with civic network providers in other Missouri communities.
Challenges
a) Growing pains and frustration resulting for the difficulty of staying current with the diverse demands for connectivity, e-mail accounts, training, and trouble shooting that are presented by our various constituents.
b) Technology issues that range from attempting to connect 386 vintage machines possessed by a number of small organizations to achieving a cost effective high bandwidth connection between City Hall, our offices (six blocks away) and MOREnet in Columbia, Missouri.
c) Understanding the geographic information systems (GIS) issues where software alternatives have had to be resolved, equipment purchased, and applications designed. We anticipate considerable progress in the months ahead in this area.
d) Resolving issues of longer term sustainability, which entail convincing other institutions to contribute to the support and to participate in the governance of the Community Information Network. This is likely to be an on-going issue during the life of the project.
Narrative Progress Report
I. Development and implementation of services detailed in workscope
We have made considerable progress in each of the four task areas, which comprises the Workscope. We have implemented many of the plans that we developed during the previous reporting period.
A) Task One: Develop and Implement GIS applets and create related World Wide Web services
1. A search and evaluation of existing GIS and transit web sites has been conducted. These examples have allowed us to see what other communities have accomplished and what is possible for us to do. (See Appendix)
2. The desktop GIS software from ESRI, ArcView 3.0a, was purchased and installed. This has allowed for the collection and geocoding of data into GIS readable format. Several desktop maps have been created that can easily be transferred to the Internet, when the appropriate software is installed.
3. A decision was made about which Internet GIS software to use. The choice was to go with ArcView Internet map server software, which is used in conjunction with ArcView 3.0a. The GIS Internet software has been received. It is a beta version, but is stable enough for use (final version is due late Summer/early Fall). ESRI is also providing training on the use of this software.
4. The development of on-line GIS applications has been slowed somewhat by the process of deciding, ordering, and setting-up the hardware and software required for an Internet map server. The computer that will be used as the map server has been delivered, but the server software has not yet been received.
B) Task Two: Train community residents and social service providers to take advantage of the online services related to the Project
1. During the first half of the year, residents and organizations received training in a variety of ways. The Neighborhood Web Fair was held in order to bring information and training about the St. Louis CIN and the Internet to a wide range of city residents.
2. The Neighborhood Web Fair brought together neighborhood leaders and technical volunteers to build web pages for most neighborhoods (See Appendix). Previously, the City had created a standard page for each neighborhood. However, it became evident that the small number of available city staff could not do justice to these neighborhood descriptions. There was consensus that by allowing and encouraging the residents of the neighborhoods to take responsibility for their own web page, the Community Information Network (CIN) would become immensely more accurate, interesting, and available to communities that otherwise would not have the opportunity for access.
3. The Web Fair was held on May 4, 1997. In the months preceding it an intensive outreach effort was conducted. Through mailings, telephone calls, e-mail, and meetings, throughout the city were told of the opportunity to learn about the Internet, create a web page, and obtain Internet access. Neighborhood representatives collected information and then came to the Web Fair, where technical volunteers assisted them in creating the web page. Fifty-five of 79 City neighborhoods participated in the event.
4. Through this event many residents and not-for-profit organizations learned about the Internet and the St. Louis CIN, and they gained skills to use these tools in their community.
5. Separate from the Neighborhood Web Fair, there were several additional training opportunities. Not-for-profit and City department employees received individual or small group training in association with an on-site visit to provide Internet Connection. Individuals or groups also made arrangements for instruction, when it was needed.
6. With the growing interest in training, efforts have turned to development of a regular and structured method of training. A class schedule and syllabi have been developed that will be fully implemented this Fall (See Appendix).
C) Task Three: To provide publicity and promote community awareness of the Project
1. The Neighborhood Web Fair was the principal mechanism for accomplishing many of our outreach goals. We were able to generate publicity for the event. An article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper on the upcoming Web Fair helped to promote the event. The day following the event there was another article discussing the results of the event. The City's Cable division was also there in order to record the Web Fair.
D) Task Four: To evaluate and assess the success of the Project, as related to its ability to affect local user penetration, and as related to its general effect within the community
1. A survey was conducted at the Neighborhood Web Fair. In exchange for a t-shirt, participants were encouraged to turn in a complete survey. Sixty-eight surveys were returned. The survey obtained baseline computer experience and use and knowledge of St. Louis CIN. (See Appendix)
2. In keeping with our proposal, Washington University in St. Louis has agreed to conduct the evaluation component of this grant. An evaluation plan has been developed (See Appendix).
3. Quantitative statistics are being collected on an on-going basis. These include, but are not limited to: number of hits on the CIN home page and main category pages; accounts created; individuals trained; presentations given; and modem pool usage.
II. Exploration of the relationship with local, regional and national educational computer networking, broadcasting and other telecommunications services
We recognize that developing relationships and partnerships with organizations that engage in local communities is an important element of this project. These relationships will give us access to a wider range of resources and ideas, and also will be important to the long term sustainability of the St. Louis CIN. Relationships with several computer networking entities have been established.
A. Civic Network Council of St. Louis
During the initial process, the St. Louis CIN met with several major St. Louis institutions who are interested in providing the public with relevant information and services. Members of this network include the St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis Public Schools, Harris-Stowe State College, and St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. These organizations provided resources for the Neighborhood Web Fair, including meeting space and staff time.
B. Missouri Express
St. Louis CIN has received State designation under the Missouri Express program. Missouri Express assists selected communities by providing telecommunication support in the form of bandwidth and modem pools. The goal of the project is to help a community or group of communities make government and community-oriented information available to the public in electronic form.
As a Missouri Express community, we have the opportunity to meet and communicate with other Missouri communities, which share mutual goals. During the Spring, four CIN staff and one CDA information systems staff member were able to participate in training session with three other Missouri Express communities. Two listservs have also been created to enable members of Missouri Express to communicate with each other.
C. Other Local Computer Services Providers
St. Louis CIN has taken the opportunity to explore and develop relationships with local computer services providers. Organizations include those that have computing facilities, data or Internet interests. The organizations include:
- St. Alphonse Rock Church - A computer lab for the residents of the resident-managed Blumeyer Public Housing complex.
- St. Louis Public Library - The City is making arrangements to use their computing facility for GIS and related training.
- US Department of Agriculture - Technology Training Branch - computer and lecture rooms, are available for regular CIN training classes
- Public Housing Authority - A computer lab has been established in a new self-sufficiency center.
- Regional Commerce and Growth Association - A St. Louis Regional Web Page has been developed. We serve on the Advisory Board.
- IntelliPages - a private St. Louis-based vender that is exploring the possibility of exchanging data with us.
- ParentLink - A University of Missouri affiliated organization that is developing a state-wide Internet-based database of community resources relevant to community-building, family support, and individual development.
- SafeFutures - Provides intervention services for at-risk youth. St. Louis CIN has been assisting with data collection and telecommunication support.
- Project Respond - A contract with the St. Louis Development Corporation will help with data collection and GIS mapping of youth-related risk factors and resources.
- Human Development Corporation - Has provided a database of service providers for homeless individuals that has been posted on our web site.
- St. Louis Neighborhood Network - A collaboration of organizations serving a select geography on the near southside of the City. Their focus is family and pre-natal to age five service integration. The Network has recently submitted an application to the State for Children's Trust Fund financial support called the Community-Based Family Resources Program. If this application is successful, St. Louis CIN will be an active participant.
- St. Louis UNIX User's Group - An organization of approximately 550 members, who are interested in assisting the St. Louis CIN, specifically with hardware acquisition for area not-for-profit organizations.
- Bicycle Works - A not-for-profit organization that offers bicycle and computer repair classes through an Earn-a-Bike or Earn-a-Computer program.
III. Status of services currently available
Many services have become available to our constituents, allowing us to make significant progress toward our project goals. The St. Louis CIN is currently able to offer e-mail and web page accounts, some public access computer sites, extensive outreach services to neighborhood residents and not-for-profit organizations, and Internet training. These services have been started on a small scale, but with plans for growth and development.
A. Web Server
1. Direct dial-up access to our server became available in the middle of March. Neighborhood organizations, not-for-profit organizations and city government now routinely receive e-mail and/or web page accounts.
B. Public Access Sites
1. Two additional sites have been established and are operational, which brings the total number of operating public access sites to six, sponsored by the Enterprise Community. The additional sites are Carver Community Education Center and the Sigel Community Education Center.
2. Mentors trained by the Grace Hill Neighborhood Services organization are staffing these sites to help users utilize the services. Additionally, Grace Hill Neighborhood Services maintains 11 public access sites that have Internet access.
C. Training & Outreach
1. Our Neighborhood Mentoring Program offers one-on-one training and assistance to neighborhood leaders. There are currently twelve volunteer neighborhood mentors.
2. A schedule of regular CIN training classes has been created and will begin in September. Four classes are being offered: 1) Introduction to CIN and the Internet, 2) E-mail, 3) Creating Web Pages/Introduction to HTML, and 4) More HTML, Design & FTP. Classes will be offered once a week on a rotating schedule.
3. A Help Desk has been established to provide technical assistance. Assistance is provided over the phone, or an appointment can be made for an on-site visit. On-site visits are mostly done for assistance with connectivity issues.
4. A Speaker's Bureau has been developed. CIN staff and volunteers are available to speak at various functions about the importance of the Community Information Network and the Internet.
5. Grace Hill Neighborhood Services continues to train mentors who then volunteer time at public access sites to assist users with the computers.
IV. Status of population demographics for local areas currently having access to services
Although in many ways our focus remains that of providing services to the 20 underserved neighborhoods of the Enterprise Community, expansion has brought St. Louis CIN to the entire City.
As of the 1990 Census, the city of St. Louis had a total population of 396,686. Of these 95,271 live in poverty (24%); 33% of the population did not have a high school diploma; and female-headed households with children made up 12% of the population.
Appendix presents maps of the City by neighborhood of the following (1990 Census) demographic statistics:
1. Racial composition: Percent of the total population that was black
2. Educational attainment: Percent of the total population that did not have a high school diploma
3. Income: Median household income
4. Poverty: Percent of the total population that lived in poverty.
V. Status of the number of users, and the frequency and nature of utilization
The St. Louis CIN has seen a dramatic increase in the use of the web site, and a steady and growing increase in number of registered users.
A. Number of hits on the St. Louis CIN Home Page (a chronology)
1. A counter was put on the St. Louis CIN home page in January of 1996 when approximately 150 hits a week occurred. Approximately 10,000 hits occurred between January and the beginning of November of 1996 (i.e., 600 hits per month).
2. From November, 1996 to early March 1997 there were approximately 4,000 hits (i.e., 1,000 hits per month).
3. A marked increase occurred from early March to the end of June 1997 when there were almost 24,000 hits (i.e., approximately 6,000 hits per month). During this period dial-up connections were made available. Also, outreach and training efforts for the Neighborhood Web Fair (held on May 4, 1997) were intensive during this period. These efforts focused on educating neighborhood residents about the information available from CIN and training residents in the skills needed to access CIN.
4. Currently, the CIN Home Page is continuing to receive approximately 1,500 hits a week (i.e., 6,000 hits per month).
B. Connections
We recognize that many of our members lack the knowledge and skills to become connected to the Internet and are often uncomfortable making the hardware and software adjustments that are required. For this reason, we often provide in-person assistance to make an Internet connection. Therefore, the number of connections not only reflects the number of accounts created, but also is an indication of the amount of in-person technical assistance that has been provided.
1. City Departments:
Twenty-three departments have been connected and have e-mail accounts
Four have created (or helped to create) web pages: http://stlouis.missouri.org/
Air Pollution...citygov/airpollution
Assessor's Office…citygov/assessor
Neighborhood Stabilization Team …citygov/nst
Office of Youth and Family Services …citygov/oyfs
2. Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Ninety-nine have been connected and have e-mail accounts
Three have created their own web pages: http://stlouis.missouri.org/
Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center …501c/anniemalone
The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis …501c/reccouncil
Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc. …501c/landmarks
3. Neighborhoods:
Fifty-five of 79 neighborhoods have created web pages (See Appendix for map) (http://stlouis.missouri.org/neighborhoods)
Forty-three maintain their own pages (in some cases with the assistance of a volunteer)
Forty-seven have e-mail accounts
C. Modem Pool
Usage of the modem pool indicates how active our dial-up account users have been. In the past month, it has been reported that some users have encountered a busy signal when trying to connect through our modem pool. Plans have been made to increase the number of lines available to dial-up users.
D. E-mail Correspondence
The St. Louis CIN web site received 350 e-mail messages between March and the end of June. Approximately 30 messages a month are communications for a government office (e.g., Mayor's, Comptroller's, Alderman's, or Citizen's Service Bureau). The messages include questions about St. Louis (everything from a request for the St. Louis originated toasted ravioli to how to obtain visitor's information), comments about the web site or the City, complaints or political opinion/action messages (mostly directed to government officials), and requests for re-location information.
Selected e-mail messages have been included in Appendix.
VI. Status of the host Internet server and communication system(s)
Internet server and communication systems hardware improvements have been made that have allowed us to pursue the goals of this project.
A. Web Server
As mentioned in section III, direct dial-up access to our server became available in the middle of march. Neighborhood organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and City government now routinely receive e-mail and/or web page accounts.
B. Modem Pool
The modem pool currently consists of five analog lines. Reports of occasional busy signals have been made. We are in the process of converting to digital lines, which will increase the number of lines to 24. We are prepared to double the size of the modem pool beyond this, as it becomes necessary.
C. GIS Map Server
A computer has been delivered that will operate as the GIS Internet map server. This computer was purchased with City funds. It is a 166 MHz with 144M of RAM. Technical challenges involve connecting this computer to our server and setting up the GIS Internet Software.
D. Plans for Connecting City Hall and other Remote City Sites
Various options are being explored to connect City Hall and other remote City department sites to our server. The most likely solution involves establishing a "Frame Relay Cloud" at City Hall, which would allow the various remote sites to connect there and then use a shared line to our server via Southwestern Bell.
VII. Updating of the GIS applets with refined version of the initial GIS applets
Developing the GIS applets to be included on the CIN web site has involved many steps. While working to decide on and acquire the necessary equipment and software, we have been planning and developing the information to be included geographically on the web site. Six applications were decided upon, as discussed in section D below.
A. Decision on Internet GIS software
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) offers two software programs that can support GIS on the World Wide Web. The first is called MapObjects Internet Map Server, which is designed for Windows developers, and extends the power of MapObjects to serve maps over the Internet. MapObjects is a powerful collection of mapping and GIS components that let application developers add dynamic mapping and analysis capabilities to applications. The second is ArcView Internet Map Server, which is an "out-of-the-box" GIS and mapping solution for publishing ArcView GIS maps on the World Wide Web.
We chose to work with ArcView Internet Map Server because it promises to be simpler to use. This will enable more regular updating and expansion of the GIS applications on the CIN. Although, ArcView IMS is still in beta version, it is stable enough to use and is expected to be released in late Summer or early Fall of this year.
B. Survey of GIS and Transit Web Sites
An extensive search and review of existing web sites with either GIS or transit-orientated applications has been conducted. This was done for the purpose of discovering what others have accomplished and what possibilities exist. We have identified some impressive sites that will provide informative models during our development. For an overview of the findings See Appendix.
C. Received Beta Version of Software
The beta version of ArcView IMS was received and initial training for the software was given by ESRI. The next step is to install the software onto the computer that will be the map server.
D. Geographic Applications
We have identified six geographic applications to be initially developed during the project. Geographic information will be posted on the web site in one of three ways.
- Maps in Image Format: A static image of a map (a .gif or .jpg file) is posted
- Non-Image Geographic Information: geographic information is given without the use of an image or map. An on-line interactive database will provide answers to users' geographic questions.
- GIS Maps: Interactive maps will display a variety of geographic information.
- City Neighborhoods …neighborhoods
- Historic Neighborhoods …neighborhoods/history/
- Neighborhood Stabilization Officers …citygov/nst/findnso.htm
Additional maps have been posted as part of the Consolidated Plan and the Enterprise Community segments. More will be added during the coming months.
1. Existing Geographic Information
Currently on the CIN web site there are three clickable maps (all found at http://stlouis.missouri.org/…)
2. Geographic Boundaries
In St. Louis, geographic boundaries of importance include: Wards, zip codes, census tracts, neighborhoods, Enterprise Community, historic districts, housing conservation districts, and other designated areas. A database program called CorFind has been created that allows a user to enter an address, at which point the program identifies the sub-areas within which the address is located. We are working to make an Internet-based version of this program.
GIS maps currently exist for most of the basic geographical boundaries. These maps will be posted to the web site as soon as the Internet Map Server software is operational.
3. Community Resources
Community resources consist of not-for-profit organizations and public institutions throughout the City. We recognize that an overriding challenge in providing community resource information on our web site will be the accuracy and timeliness of the information. For this reason, we have been pursuing relationships with organizations who routinely collect this type of information. We have assimilated databases from other organizations, such as East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, Human Development Corporation, Mayor's Office of Youth Development, Metropolitan Association of Philanthropy, and Project Respond. A synthesized database is under construction. This list will be geocoded and added to the GIS map server.
There is also an on-line and interactive Community Resource database (found at http://stlouis.missouri.org/cgi/comdir. It can be linked to from neighborhood pages. Anyone browsing CIN can submit new (or updated) information about a community resource or the browser can search by type for a resource. While this interactive database is functioning, St. Louis CIN has not yet advertised its existence and encouraged its use.
4. Property Information
CIN users will be able to look at specific geographical sub-areas of the City and examine characteristics associated with individual parcels.
GIS map data has been obtained for the parcels and building outlines for the City of St. Louis. Assessor's data (current as of May 31, 1997) has been joined to the parcel data. Assessor's data includes information about the assessed value of the property, it's zoning, property owner and address, and the last purchase date.
5. Aerial Photography
Aerial photography gives a bird's eye view of the City. This allows a person (especially those unable to physically visit an area) to see what a particular part of the city looks like.
Currently we have aerial photographs for the entire City. We are exploring the possibility of creating a clickable map of the City, which would link to aerial photographs for selected areas. We are also exploring the feasibility of combining raster image photography with vector overlays that define neighborhoods and related geography.
6. Transportation
Finding the fastest and easiest way to get from one place to another is of interest to almost every City resident. Public transportation is often the only viable option for both visitors and local citizens. Providing an easy way to discover how to get from point A to point B would be of tremendous value to the citizens of St. Louis. We have begun working with the Bi-State Development Agency, which operate the regional public transportation systems, and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, the metropolitan planning organization to define and develop an Internet-based solution.
A review of current web sites that deal with transit services has been conducted (See Appendix). The technology exists for a user to enter two points and to be informed of what public transportation should be taken. Our challenge will be to create an effective, customer friendly system.
E. Project Respond
Project Respond is a not-for-profit organization that is about to contract with the St. Louis Development Corporation to collect, analyze and map youth-related risk factors and resources. The GIS maps will be provided to SLDC in electronic form and will be available to be used on the St. Louis CIN web site.
VIII. Training of at least 250 individuals in the community
Training individuals to use CIN, the Internet, and create web pages has become an increasingly important component of the project. As more neighborhood groups, not-for-profit organizations, and City departments have gained access to the Internet, the greater the demand grows for the necessary skills to use it. For the past six months, each training session has been independently planned for a specific purpose a population. We have developed a regular training program that will make better use of staff and volunteer time and resources and thus will better meet the growing demand for training.
A. Neighborhood Web Fair
1. One hundred twenty individuals attended the Neighborhood Web Fair and learned how to create a Web Page
2. Sixty-six individuals attended Internet or Web Page Classes (3 classes offered)
3. Sixteen individuals received individual or small group assistance and instructions in the Internet and Web Page creation.
B. Individual Training
This training is provided when organizations or city departments are connected, or on a few occasions, for people who have a specific (job-related) need for learning about the Internet or HTML. Fifty-five individuals received personal instructions in the Internet and/or HTML.
C. Public Access Sites
Grace Hill Neighborhood mentors provide assistance and training to individuals who use the public access sites.
IX. Establishment of the volunteer corps to staff a Help Desk
We have found an impressive number of individuals who have been willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help others learn more about the Internet and web pages. The Neighborhood Web Fair required a large number of Internet-skilled people to be available for this one-time event. On-going training and outreach efforts have found volunteers who are willing to give regularly of their time.
A. Neighborhood Web Fair Steering Committee
A group of approximately 12 people who work or live in the City's neighborhoods met on a monthly basis during the Spring to guide and advise on the progress of the Neighborhood Web Fair. This group provided input on a range of issues, including but not limited to: design of the neighborhood template; number of accounts available to neighborhood groups; publicity; volunteer recruitment; and related issues.
This committee has continued to meet after the Neighborhood Web Fair. They are becoming involved in areas of interest to neighborhoods, such as hardware acquisition/public access sites; content development; and communication among neighborhood web page coordinators and webmasters.
B. Neighborhood Web Fair Volunteers
A large number of talented volunteers with a variety of skills (technical and non-technical) provided their time and expertise in preparation for and during the Neighborhood Web Fair. Ten volunteers helped neighborhood leaders before the Web Fair. Much of this assistance involved collecting and editing content for the web page. Sixty volunteers helped on the day of the Neighborhood Web Fair.
C. Neighborhood Mentoring Program Volunteers
The Neighborhood Mentoring Program pairs a technical volunteer with a neighborhood leader in an on-going relationship to enhance specific neighborhood web pages. This program continues the initiatives of the May 4, 1997 Neighborhood Web Fair. The mentoring program will help build an informal network of technical support and training for neighborhood leaders. There are currently 13 NMP volunteers.
D. CIN Training Team
The CIN Training Team was created to develop and implement Internet, E-mail and Web Page classes. Seven volunteers, along with the CIN staff, have developed a preliminary schedule and courses to be offered on a weekly basis starting in September. The Team has made decisions regarding the class format (lecture vs. hands-on), student-teacher ratio, number and types of classes and various other issues.
E. CIN Help Desk Message line
People with questions about CIN, connectivity, or other problems can leave a message in the CIN Help Desk voice-mail. The number is (314) 622-3400 extension 815. These messages are checked on a regular basis and routed to the person who is able to assist the caller. Currently the message line is handled by CIN staff.
F. On-line Information
1. On-line Help Desk http://stlouis.missouri.org/help.htm
Web pages have been created to provide on-line Help Desk assistance. Currently information is posted about changing passwords and SLIP/PPP connections.
2. Volunteer
Information http://stlouis.missouri.org/cin/volunteer
Web pages have been created that contain information on the volunteer opportunities with CIN and information for current CIN volunteers. An on-line interactive form is available that allows people to directly submit their interest in becoming a volunteer.
X. Development of the Speaker's Bureau
Informing neighborhood residents, not-for-profit organizations and City departments about the St. Louis CIN has been a priority. Much has been done to let people know about the services available to them, in order to get this project underway.
A. Presentations
Presentations about CIN and the Internet have been given to neighborhood residents and to City departments. These presentations provided an introduction to the Internet and CIN, demonstrations in the process of building a home page, and an overview of the types of information that can be included and the resources available to help people create web pages.
Seven neighborhood presentations were held during the reporting period at schools and libraries throughout the City. Approximately 80 people from 55 neighborhoods attended these presentations. One "brown bag lunch" presentation was given for City departments. It was attended by 35 people from 18 departments.
B. Future Presentations
A letter has been prepared that offers not-for-profit organizations, civic groups, and other organizations the opportunity to have us present an introduction to the Internet and CIN, at the location of their choosing, including our office. This letter is currently distributed with other informational handouts. A mass mailing to our list of not-for-profit organizations and associations has been planned.
XI. Development of the public relations program
We have achieved several instances of positive publicity but are still formulating an overall public relations strategy. Our promotional efforts have included several aspects:
A. Word-of-Mouth
Our largest public relations event was the Neighborhood Web Fair itself. The process of informing and involving a wide variety of St. Louisans served to publicize CIN largely by word-of-mouth. In fact, a local newspaper/newsletter called the "Southside Shopper" had an article written by a local businessman who referenced our work of connecting neighborhoods to the Internet and suggested that something similar needed to be done for City businesses.
B. Media
Two articles have appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (See Appendix). Both related to providing neighborhoods with Internet access.
C. Metatags
In order to increase the likelihood of the St. Louis CIN Home Page being found in response to Internet searches, we have begun to expand the metatags in our web pages, thereby assisting search engines in identifying our page.
D. National League of Cities Innovation Award submission
The National Leagues of Cities sponsors an Innovation Award with the theme of "Connecting Citizens and Their Government". We believe that the St. Louis Neighborhood Web Fair deserves consideration for such an award. (See Appendix)
E. City of St. Louis's Mayor's Office
The recently elected Mayor of St. Louis has made plans to post news releases, speeches, and updates on projects. The St. Louis CIN URL is printed on the Mayor's business card.
F. Materials
A brochure and other informational materials about the St. Louis CIN have been created and distributed. (See Appendix)
G. The University of Missouri Outreach and Extension service is presenting information about Community Information Networks in Missouri at the Community Development Society Conference in Atlanta.
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