Crowdsourcing takes advantage of the public's collective knowledge and insight by letting an undefined "crowd" collaboratively problem-solve. It has the advantage of reducing advertising and market research costs, as well as incorporating diverse perspectives.
Bristol is the first city in the nation to use crowdsourcing to redevelop its downtown. On the social media site BristolRising.com, residents post business ideas, vote on proposed projects, and work together to find entrepreneurs willing to invest in the city. Though the bulk of Bristol's redevelopment will begin later in 2013, several businesses have already opened as a result of the crowdsourcing project, including a brew pub, billiards hall, and art gallery with a café. Currently, residents are lobbying for an outdoor beer garden, an art supply store, solar powered trash cans, and rooftop gardens.
