Suwon Launches Two-Way Communication Channel 'e-Citizen Policy Advisory Board'

A two-way online communication channel has been established in Suwon where citizens propose ideas for municipal development to the mayor, and the mayor discusses with residents.

Suwon City announced on the 14th that it has completed and is operating the "Humane City, e-Citizen Policy Advisory Board" website where a policy advisory board of 500 citizens meets with the mayor online earlier this month.

The e-Citizen Policy Advisory Board website is organized into categories including 'Conference Room,' 'Suggestions and Reports,' 'Community,' and 'About the Advisory Board,' allowing members to access the website at any time and place to submit recommendations regarding municipal affairs.

The mayor responds to advisory board suggestions through comments, and major agenda items from suggestions are put to a vote so all advisory board members can express their opinions.

On designated days, members can enter the 'Conference Room' on the website to have messenger-style conversations simultaneously with multiple advisory board members and the mayor.

Following the completion of the advisory board composition, the e-Citizen Policy Advisory Board launch ceremony held on the 10th saw Mayor Yeom Tae-young and 400 advisory board members simultaneously access the website and engage in real-time conversation.

At the launch ceremony, Mayor Yeom introduced his office through a live video, showing his desk with stacked documents, frequently used office supplies, a conference table where he meets with executives, and a panel with his caricature.

Mayor Yeom stated, "When I enter my office, I will first access the policy advisory board website and always listen to the opinions of our citizens," and added, "Let us meet comfortably in a communication space that transcends time and space and pool our ideas for Suwon's development."

The subsequent conversation lasted approximately one hour, with advisory board members typing opinions in the chat window while Mayor Yeom read and responded on video.

Since April, the city has recruited e-Citizen Policy Advisory Board members from residents of Suwon and organized the advisory board into five fields—civil complaint administration, urban environment, culture and tourism, roads and transportation, and women's welfare—based on the interests of members.

The city previously held a roundtable discussion in town meeting format with 500 citizens at the Suwon Youth Culture Center indoor gymnasium on the 6th, expanding dialogue with the public.