Empower your community with interactive engagement: The features of Polco’s Simulation Tools
Polco’s Simulation Tools are interactive tools designed to help communities engage in the budgeting, housing, and policy-making process. These simulations allow residents and stakeholders to participate in decision-making by experimenting with scenarios such as budget allocations and understanding the trade-offs involved. Polco’s Simulation Tools help help constituents understand the context, consequences, and constraints in complex decision-making while providing input, leading to stronger, more transparent governance. Below are the main benefits of using Polco’s Simulation Tools:
Conflict resolution
Facilitate discussions and build consensus on challenging decisions with accessible and user-friendly digital tools.
Scenario modeling
Explore various financial and other scenarios, adjusting key inputs and options to see impacts in real time.
Educational value
Educate residents on budgeting and other complexities, helping them understand the trade-offs involved.
Improved communication
Strengthen communication between officials and the community with participatory planning that builds empathy for all involved.
Customizable options
Tailor simulations to reflect your specific budget structure, housing challenges, and other community planning needs.
Data-driven insights
Gather valuable data on public preferences, helping to align budgets, housing, and local project plans with community values.
Explore our suite of Simulation Tools
Polco offers a variety of simulation tools designed to address different aspects of community governance and organizational planning. Whether it's public or organizational budgeting, land use planning, or policy development, our tools provide a hands-on approach to understanding and solving community challenges. Discover the specific simulation tools we offer to enfuse your community’s decision-making in ways that can drive civil and constructive conversations around tough topics.
Budgeting Simulation
Polco’s Budget Simulation tool allows residents to engage in the government budgeting process. It educates users on budget allocation challenges, helping them understand financial constraints and the trade-offs involved in public spending. This tool provides an interactive platform for residents to experiment with real-world budget decisions.
Taxpayer Receipt
Show residents what their tax dollars buy. The Polco Taxpayer Receipt is an easy, effective way to demonstrate to residents how their money is used. Residents anonymously input data to generate a customized estimate of taxes paid and breakdown of what each dollar funded in their community.
Prioritization
Polco’s Prioritization tool lets residents rank community projects within a set budget, offering decision-makers insights into public preferences. By selecting and ranking initiatives, users help guide resource allocation. This tool promotes transparency and ensures community input is considered in decision-making, providing clear, visual data to support policy choices.
Housing Simulation
Polco’s Housing Simulation tool engages residents in housing planning by allowing them to explore various development options and trade-offs. It educates users on housing goals, constraints, and impacts, promoting empathy and collaboration. This interactive tool fosters broad participation and informed decision-making by providing a realistic view of housing policy challenges.
Enhancing engagement: The power of Balancing Act
Balancing Act, a renowned name in public budgeting and policy simulation, was acquired by Polco to enhance our suite of tools. This acquisition allows us to offer even more robust and interactive engagement solutions, helping communities navigate difficult decisions with clarity and confidence.
Success stories: Real impact from Polco’s Simulation Tools
Polco’s Simulation Tools have made a tangible difference in communities across the country. Read our success stories to see how other organizations have used these tools to achieve their goals, foster greater community involvement, and make data-driven decisions that benefit everyone.
How Hanford, California Collaborated with Residents to Revitalize Downtown
The Top Five Local Government Priorities for 21st-Century Leadership
How Elk Grove Improves Services With a Data-Driven Mindset
See what else Polco can do for your community
Polco’s platform extends beyond Simulation Tools, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions to meet your community’s needs. Explore our other powerful tools like Community Analytics, Polly AI Data Analyst, and Resident Engagement to see how Polco can further enhance your decision-making processes and community outcomes. Discover the full potential of Polco today.
Community Analytics
Visualize key data points and trends to understand your community's needs and priorities.
Benchmark Surveys
Get comprehensive insights by comparing your community's performance with national standards.
Polco AI
Maximize your impact with insights and guidance from Polco’s advanced Artificial Intelligence capabilities
Resident Engagement
Foster constructive civic conversation and active participation through accessible digital platforms.