× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Mayor candidate Jeff Kirkpatrick has offered an innovation and technology platform that includes digital chat sessions with the public and more technology at libraries.

A focus on innovation can allow the city to partner with the private sector and the University of Nebraska to further Lincoln’s national reputation as a technology center, Kirkpatrick said in announcing his four proposals, which are:

Digital chats with the mayor: Kirkpatrick said he would host a monthly digital “Chat with the Mayor” across multiple platforms such as Twitter, Facebook livestream, Instagram and YouTube livestream so residents aren’t forced to go to a town hall meeting to have their voices heard or their problems addressed.

Kirkpatrick said he would answer questions about policy, assign staff to problems identified in the chats, and encourage the kind of discussion that stimulates new ideas.

Libraries as technology hubs: Kirkpatrick says the role of libraries in society is changing and “more Lincoln libraries should offer access to production labs, new software, 3D printers and laser cutters. Residents could receive instruction in everything from tech classes, to incubator projects for entrepreneurs, to business pitch competitions,” Kirkpatrick said.