Creative solutions to DC's problems

The DC Appleseed Center has been running an inspiring campaign called Solving DC Problems, designed to engage people who live or work in DC in designing creative solutions to the city's problems. According to the campaign Web site, 900 ideas were submitted, addressing problems ranging from housing and education to recreation; a panel of judges identified 20 finalists, and visitors to the campaign site were then invited to vote for their favorite proposals.

The winners will be announced tomorrow (6/5), and will receive cash prizes...in addition:

...the three winners will present their ideas to the Mayoral candidates at a forum on June 8. And (project staff) will compile ALL the ideas received during the contest and present them to the public, government officials, and candidates running in the District's 2006 elections. Most exciting of all, D.C. City Administrator Robert Bobb's office will be working with DC Appleseed to identify the most feasible ideas and try to implement them.

Visit the campaign Web site to learn more about the project and to read the proposals submitted.

Sample proposals:

• Growing the Arts Locally
• Free Metro rides for Seniors
• And, not to be missed: Smack people in the head when they do something stupid

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UPDATE 6/8/06: Read about the winners.