MadisonDC Users Participate Directly in DC Council Urban Farming Hearing
Channel: The OpenGov Foundation
Date: 2014-06-16

Learn More & Weigh In on the Urban Farming Bill: http://bit.ly/urbanfarmingDC

On June 12, 2014 the Council of Washington, D.C. held the first-ever hearing where residents could log online, watch the hearing...and have the opportunity to ask questions, get answers and participate in the proceedings.  These citizens got involved as part of the MadisonDC community, working via the Internet with their elected officials. Councilmember Grosso brought the following points received on MadisonDC directly into the hearing: 

1. Alexander M asked, "Shouldn't there be some (basic) reporting on the end-users of these agricultural products, so we know what constituencies these farms are serving?" on MadisonDC on May 23, 2014.  Councilmember David Grosso reads it at 2:43. You can see Alexander M's original question here: 

http://bit.ly/1lAVuDm

2. Si K asked, "Should pesticides or other harmful chemicals be prohibited? should organic practices be required or is that too arduous? Should preference be given to participants committed to organic practices? Should stormwater harvesting and use be mandated?" on MadisonDC on May 22, 2014. Councilmember Grosso reads it at 4:15. You can see the original question here: 

http://bit.ly/1lAVuDm

3. Thomas S stated, "I would also encourage the District to leverage their own vacant roof space for the production of urban agriculture on behalf of DC residents in need." Councilmember Grosso addresses this at 5:58. You can see Thomas's recommendation here: 

http://bit.ly/1lAVUdd

4. Si K asked, "Who defines successful?". Councilmember Gross asks this question at 7:58. You can see the original annotation here: 

http://bit.ly/1lAWaca

The urban farming bill is far from finalized.  You can join the debate here (http://bit.ly/urbanfarmingDC).

In addition, Councilmember Grosso addressed the questions around non-profit farms suggested by multiple Madison users several times throughout the hearing. 

This historic innovation in city government was led by Council Member David Grosso, in partnership with the 501(c)3 OpenGov Foundation (http://OpenGovFoundation.org).  MadisonDC is open-source online policymaking software free for anyone to use, share or improve on Github (http://bit.ly/MadisonV2).