Last week, Pittsburgh City Council gave preliminary approval to a contract that will allow City Council meetings to be viewed online.

The webcasts will allow City Council meetings to be accessible to all, and will also integrate the new system with City Council’s existing legislative tracking system. Viewers will be able to search videos online and view specific portions that relate to different issues.

“This is the third step I have initiated to bring e-democracy to Pittsburgh, following the launch of iBurgh and the current beta test of MyGov365,” said Councilman Peduto. “This new system will allow Pittsburgh residents to have greater involvement in their government and greater access to information that is important to them.”

The system has come in under budget, and will be ready in time to broadcast the first meeting of Council in 2010.

The Christian Science Monitor recently wrote about five cities that will rise in the new economy. What were the critical factors? Green Innovation, Healthcare and Export Industries, Clean Energy, Education and Technology.

Pittsburgh has the pieces to this puzzle, but are we setting our sails toward a 21st century economy or are we trying to hang on to our 19th century past? The decisions we make today we determine whether we will compete or fail in a 21st century new, global economy.

The article names Boston, Fort Collins, Houston, Huntsville and Seattle as the top 5 cities that will rise in the New Economy.

Read the article to learn more.

Over 600 people joined us at Councilman Peduto’s annual Holiday Fete and over 200 were there for our very special VIP Reception. The VIP hour included music by DJ Zombo, an incredible buffet from a dozen of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants, Boyd and Blair’s Black and Gold Martini Bar, a special spirit tasting table and a live performance by our friends Attack Theatre.

Thank you to our Co-Chairs and Host Committee for making the VIP Reception and the Party such a great event.

Here is how you can show your support for Bill – and build a better Pittsburgh! We need you to help us to make this event even more special.
Please join us and bring your friends.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 412-414-1430 or email Mike Devanney at Mike.Devanney@gmail.com.

Host Committee
Co-Chairs