Gavin Newsom
© AFP/Getty Images/File Kimberly White SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Mayor Gavin Newsom's detailed assessment of his domain is broken down into a set of videos being released through the week online at Google-owned YouTube or at the city's website sfgov.org.
Mayors of US cities traditionally give state-of-the-city addresses, with their presentations often broadcast live on television or radio stations.
"Instead of a traditional speech behind a podium, this year I am delivering my State of the City address directly to my constituents in a series of 10 webisodes," said the 41-year-old Newsom.
"We are committed to using technology to cultivate an ongoing conversation with our constituents. Now, our YouTube site gives us one more channel for communication."
Newsom's "interactive" online address, which totals 7.5 hours, can be found at his YouTube channel at youtube.com/mayorgavinnewsom.
City residents are invited to upload videos of their own with ideas for improving the operation of the government.
Newsom's website has received 27.6 million visits so far this year and he claims more than 10,000 friends on social networking website Facebook.
"Despite severe budget constraints and declining investment by the federal and state governments," said Newsom, "what we have accomplished -- and will soon accomplish -- proves that a city can continue to be bold and innovative even in the face of extraordinary challenges."
©AFP