In his free time, software developer Aaron Ogle designed an app that helps people find the best routes for walking in their city.  Starting this week, the Philadelphia native will use his passion for coding for the common good as part of the first group of fellows for Knight-funded Code for America. Aaron Ogle

These tech-whizzes are helping cities apply Web 2.0 principles to civic problems in Boston, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia and Seattle creating Internet applications that make city government more transparent, participatory and efficient.

Ogle will be based in Philadelphia.  Though the group hasn’t decided on an exact project, the fellows aim to facilitate community action by creating virtual, neighborhood-specific forums where residents and city officials can discuss issues.

While brainstorming, Ogle and his team agreed that Philadelphia’s official districts don’t reflect the natural neighborhoods that have formed throughout the city.  Without localized platforms to discuss their particular needs, communities struggle to gather and get their points across to city officials.  Local governments, in turn, have trouble meeting their residents’ expectations.  Solutions the city has found for one neighborhood, for example, might not work in others, Ogle said.

These new apps will give the city invaluable insight into the eclectic needs of Philly’s diverse urban landscape.

As part of the Code for America program, Ogle and his team of six other fellows will conduct a month of research before deciding and embarking on their 9-month project.

Code for America was awarded $250,000 last year as part of Knight Foundation’s Technology for Engagement initiative, which promotes the innovation of information-technology as a means to foster more informed and engaged communities.

Knight is looking to invest in creative ideas for advancing civic action in the modern age.’ Visit www.techforengagement.org for more.