Socially Awkward

Seattle is one of many cities that offer an online budget simulation tool. Like these cities' games, Budget Gapster challenges residents to close, in this case, a $31.7 million shortfall by setting spending priorities and making tough cuts. Of course, it's only a game. It lacks the discipline, scope and stakes of efforts like participatory budgeting in which citizens actually help decide how real money is spent. Nonetheless, the game is intended to inform residents about the budgeting process. Here, Taylor talks about an odd fit between public finance and social media.