KickTraq

Even though it had been months since Demond Drummer helped a group of Englewood students learn computer coding in 2011, he was still being approached with the same question. "Will you help me build a website?" So Drummer, a tech coordinator with Teamwork Englewood–-a community group aimed at improving education, safety and technology in the community--turned to crowd funding site Kickstarter to jumpstart a program the group calls Englewood Codes. In just four days, the program hit its goal of $5,500, with $1,000 primarily from the Englewood community coming in the first 24 hours. (Read More)

CHICAGO, IL - The city of Chicago, having already itself dabbled in the craft of crowdfunding campaigns, on Tuesday unveiled its own officially curated Kickstarter page. The page, titled Seed Chicago, is intended to spotlight small businesses and community development projects that will bring jobs, economic activity and revitalization to Chicago's neighborhoods. (Read More)

"Kickstarter urbanism" bumps up against the twin problems that effective city solutions are rarely as sexy as a new bike design, while the bureaucracies for implementing them get much more complicated than Kickstarter can handle. As Alexandra Lange wrote last year for Design Observer, "a suitable funding platform for a watch is not a suitable funding platform for a city." (Read More)

CHICAGO, IL - Kickstarter-mania has officially come to the City of Chicago. World Business Chicago and the mayor’s office has announced Tuesday morning they plan to team up to form Seed Chicago, “Chicago’s first curated Kickstarter page which will use crowdfunding to grow businesses and create jobs in Chicago’s neighborhoods.” (Read More)

Thank You!We launched our Kickstarter campaign for Englewood Codes on Wednesday April 3. Less than four days later, we exceeded our pledge goal. Thanks to you, Englewood Codes IS ON for summer 2013! Recruiting Our TeensThis week, Teamwork Englewood... (Read More)