The City of Biddeford has the opportunity to benefit from custom computer programs, tailored for residents’ use, and we hope officials don’t let the opportunity slip through their fingers.

Code for America has proposed a local partnership in which volunteers would design and implement computer applications to assist in city functions, connecting officials and residents with data and tools to increase communication between the groups.

The nonprofit organization was started in 2009 by Jennifer Pahlka, and two years ago launched a project in Boston to create Web-based solutions for the city. Some of the projects including connecting citizens with fire hydrants that they signed up to shovel out in the winter, and helping parents track their children’s school bus in real time.

Now, the Code for Maine brigade ”“ the state branch of Code for America ”“ wants to do the same for Biddeford.

We see this as a win-win for the city, despite some remarks from officials who were skeptical of the proposal at this weeks’ city council meeting.

The free service does not cost the city anything, unless it wants to purchase a website or app in the future to keep a successful program running after the initial work.

Although a few people mentioned concerns about sharing city data, the fact is that a lot of city documents are already public, but must be accessed by visiting City Hall. Documents and information that need to be protected by law will continue to be protected if this program begins here.

The City of Biddeford and cities across the country face a changing world ”“ a world of technology. It’s important that municipal governments change with the times if they want to stay relevant and continue to garner participation in the future.

It only takes one visit to a municipal meeting to see that there aren’t scores of young people showing up and making their opinions known. There is also a major lack of participation from younger generations on those committees and boards that serve our cities and towns.

However, most young people today ”“ and for that matter, most people of any age ”“ have cellphones and computers and are connected to their family and friends through texting, emailing, Facebook and Twitter. Utilizing the Internet and cellphone communication could lead to greater participation from Biddeford residents in the public process.

Two apps in particular have been proposed by the brigade for Biddeford, including “textizen,” which allows people to send text messages of their feedback on specific questions posted in public areas to city officials. “Localdata” is the second and is a set of tools that allows citizens and organizations to collect and post important information about particular neighborhoods online.

These programs could be good for Biddeford, and in turn, good for other municipalities to adopt and deploy to benefit their residents.

Many a selectman and councilor has expressed frustration over lack of participation and feedback from residents in important municipal decisions. Allowing people to use text messaging or other devices to weigh in on such decisions could prove fruitful if the input sought is well publicized and easy for people to access.

We hope Biddeford will take advantage of this program before it’s offered to another city.