Introducing the Text Hall Meeting

Developed by San Francisco-based non-profit Code for America, Textizen "involves a charming mixture of new and old media," writes Bevilacqua. "It works by having residents respond via text message to questions posted in various places around the city, from bus shelters to telephone posts, asking for their opinions on specific community topics like transportation and quality of life."

Launched as a pilot project, "The questions, which started appearing on both physical posters and social media channels on Friday, come from the Philadelphia Planning Commission as it continues to shape the city's comprehensive plan for the next two decades. So far, posters have have stayed confined to Center City and a few northeastern neighborhoods, since portions of the plan affecting these districts are to be published in July."