Kitchener expands strategic plan engagement through international partnership with Google Jigsaw and Make.org
KITCHENER, ON — The City of Kitchener is building on its longstanding commitment to community engagement by launching a new initiative that will help more residents contribute to the development of the City's 2027-2030 Strategic Plan.
As one of a small number of global municipalities selected for the Google Jigsaw Partners Program, Kitchener will leverage Sensemaking, an innovative engagement approach that helps policymakers gather and interpret thousands of individual perspectives into clear, actionable insights. The City joins international Partners Program members such as Gdańsk, Poland; Schenectady, New York; Riverside, California; and Houston, Texas, in advancing innovative, technology-enabled approaches to community engagement. The initiative will complement Kitchener’s existing strategic planning engagement, which has already connected with more than 1,500 residents through a survey, workshops, community conversations and other outreach activities.
The partnership reflects Kitchener's culture of innovation and technology, including its status as the home of Google's Canadian engineering headquarters, while reinforcing the City's commitment to ensuring technology serves people and strengthens civic participation.
"The City of Kitchener is proud to be chosen as a Google Jigsaw partner. Kitchener has a strong record of putting community voices at the centre of decision-making and our Strategic Plan is one of the most important opportunities for residents to help shape the future of our city," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "Many of our neighbours, colleagues, and friends have already contributed ideas and feedback. This opportunity allows us to build on that momentum, hear from more residents and gain deeper insights that will help shape Kitchener's future."
Google’s community engagement platform partner will support the initiative, Make.org, an independent civic technology organization that specializes in large-scale public participation and democratic engagement. Make.org has engaged millions of participants globally through its consultation platform.
Sensemaking technology will help the City explore important topics in greater depth by capturing insights that go beyond responses to pre-set questions. This AI-supported approach can provide richer insights than traditional surveys. This engagement opportunity is expected to launch before the end of 2026. Residents can learn more about the strategic plan and upcoming engagement opportunities at engagewr.ca/kitchenerstrategicplan.
-30-
For more information
Corporate Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener
Media@kitchener.ca
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.