We often take for granted the service provided by local government and public institutions. Often people see the city and related institutions impenetrable bureaucracies, invisible until we bump against them. We lose sight of how they help residents and only notice them when services break down or do something we don’t understand.

This is especially true in the city of Los Angeles which is almost 50% transplants from other states and countries. Many Angelenos haven’t grown up with the schools, or organizations that make up civic life in most communities.

Social media has become a powerful tool to reach people on a global level, but for these institutions it’s a powerful new way to engage local communities. This panel will look at how social media can help connect people to their local communities, city services, and organizations in new ways.