Gamifying Civic Engagement to Rebuild Community Wealth

Started: Conceptualized in 2019 | Development began in 2023 Who is it for?

The Civic App and Community Engagement Center (CEC) were created for everyday residents—especially those who live in underrepresented or disconnected communities. It’s designed for people who don’t traditionally participate in civic life: younger generations, low-income individuals, digital natives, and even those who are disillusioned with politics and systems.

What is the Civic App?

The Civic App gamifies local civic engagement, turning real-life actions like voting, volunteering, local shopping, or attending community events into tangible rewards. Users earn points by doing good in their community and can track their collective impact through a progress bar. Our app also integrates support for the unhoused via refillable cards that allow access to vending machines stocked by community donations.

What is the CEC?

The Community Engagement Center (CEC) is the physical hub for our civic-tech initiative. Part innovation lab, part public square, part high-tech hub, it offers walk-up kiosks, digital touchpoints, and a vibrant space for community connection, learning, and action.

What impact has it had so far?

CEC has already gained high-level interest and informal backing from leaders in Sacramento’s tech, preservation, and economic spaces—including founders of startup accelerators, venture capital firms, and public-sector allies. While still in development, the project has ignited serious conversations about the future of civic tech and how we make participation more inclusive, rewarding, and visible.

How can people support or get involved?

We’re looking for collaborators, advisors, tech partners, and funders who believe civic life can—and should—be joyful, inclusive, and digitally integrated. Whether you’re a developer, civic leader, funder, or neighbor, we welcome your ideas and support. Help us pilot our app, fund our vending machine program, or join our coalition to reimagine civic participation from the ground up.

Why this matters:

The Civic App and CEC are rooted in the belief that civic engagement isn’t broken—it’s just outdated. We’re here to modernize it and make it feel alive. As a woman of color born and raised in Sacramento, I’ve spent years quietly building this project. Now, I’m ready to share it—with the people who care.