New Columbia Association Website Wants Your Ideas

Columbia Association is constantly letting residents know what it's up to with media resources like CA Today, the CATV YouTube channel and the Columbia Association website.

But its latest idea to engage the community is InspireColumbia.com, a social website designed around topics that residents can comment on.

"We know people lead busy lives," said Celeste Olinger, communications director for CA. "This gives them the opportunity to participate."

The website, which officially launches on Thursday, features topics such as, "What are your ideas to revitalize the village centers in Columbia?" and "Tell us how we're doing at CA fitness facilities."

Residents are required to sign up on the site with an email address or social media accounts such as Facebook or Twitter. After that, they can upload photos and comment on topics.

"The site encourages citizens to talk with each other," said Olinger.

Frequent contributors earn credit and will eventually win awards or prizes, Olinger said. She said that although CA hasn't set a reward schedule yet, officials plan to offer prizes like gift cards or water bottles.

Olinger said CA will use the site to make sure it's doing things people are interested in.

"We hope residents will share their thoughts, share their aspirations for this community," said Olinger.

The site runs on Mindmixer software, which is used by communities around the country to attempt to engage residents. For example, Louisville, KY operates engagelouisville.com and nearby Montgomery County has its own site as well.

InspireColumbia.com also offers links to CA's current outreach efforts like the Columbia Matters TV show and its Twitter page.

What do you think of the new site? Will you use it?