SNAPPatx - Share your snapps

SNAPPatx is an exciting pilot project of the Texas Citizen Fund: Social Networking and Planning Project (SNAPP) is the heart of the organization; atx, also known as Austin, Texas is the focus of their work. As their name would imply, SNAPPatx relies heavily on social media and networking.  And as their funding source would further imply, SNAPPatx utilizes technology to gain citizen input on all forms of transportation in Austin, Texas.  No road, path or rail is unturned by SNAPPatx; they collect feedback on all modes of transportation be it walking, biking, bussing or driving and they even want to hear about traffic conditions from residents’ point of view.    

SNAPPatx has taken a somewhat unique approach to outreach and data collection.  They’ve zeroed in on two particular social media channels: Facebook and Twitter.  While most organizations tend to form around a website with social media acting as extensions to relay information, SNAPPatx has shifted the paradigm.  Their website is purely information and directs visitors to Facebook and Twitter, the true hubs of the operation.  SNAPPatx uses Twitter and Facebook to collect comments, suggestions, complaints, and everything in between about the current state of transportation.  The organization retains all posts and tweets in their database, analyzes it for themes and trends and issues it to the City of Austin.   

By relegating all comments to Twitter and Facebook, SNAPPatx is providing a familiar environment for residents to express themselves on, have their opinion heard and listen to what others are saying.  Posts can be made around the clock and followers can easily comment in real-time.  The straightforward integration seems to be working so far, SNAPPatx has a lively Facebook wall and an active Twitter feed.   

Learn more here:  http://snappatx.org/about.html