Another Wikinomics reader Stacy Becker wrote in to alert us to a Minnesota-based citizen’s project called Map150 that is working to reinvigorate local democracy. Becker rightly argues that “citizens have tons of really important information that never finds its way into expert-driven policy-making processes.” “This information is critical,” she says, “if we are to solve the complicated problems of today.” Here’s a clip from the Map150 site.

When citizens are “co-producers” in the public good, policies will look different and outcomes for the common good will improve. This is the premise upon which the Citizens League MAP 150 project is built. Policy is now primarily set by experts and vested interests, which leads to excessive partisanship, gridlock and policy stagnation. The status quo is not sufficient for future success, and citizens must be engaged in the process of finding new and effective policy solutions.The goal of the Minnesota Anniversary Project (MAP 150) is to reinvent policy-making by reconnecting the vision, values and voices of Minnesotans with policy-making on the issues that matter most to our future.

Becker and her colleagues are working on a series of “participation tools” that will help Minnesota residents play a greater role in setting policy in areas such as education and health care. Will be interesting to see how this works out.