The My Encinitas app is set to take center stage in the City of Encinitas' efforts to enhance community engagement, as highlighted during the Youth Commission meeting on October 1, 2025. Kieran from the IT department presented ambitious plans to boost app downloads and usage, aiming for a 20% increase in new users by the end of the fiscal year 2025-2026.

Kieran emphasized the app's role as a "digital city hall," allowing residents to report issues and access city updates all in one place. Currently, the app has around 200 users, with a target of reaching 1,289 new users. To achieve this, the city is ramping up outreach efforts, including QR codes on printed materials, social media campaigns, and educational videos.

The Youth Commission was encouraged to get involved in promoting the app, particularly through tech education initiatives. Kieran suggested that the commission could create short videos to educate peers about the app's features and benefits, especially during community events like the holiday parade.

In addition to the app discussion, Lambert Lee, a resident and member of the senior citizen commission, spoke about the importance of intergenerational activities and invited youth commissioners to participate in the Age Friendly Encinitas program. This initiative aims to foster connections between different age groups in the community.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing civic engagement through technology and community collaboration, with the My Encinitas app at the forefront of these efforts. As the city looks to expand its digital footprint, the involvement of youth in these initiatives could play a crucial role in bridging gaps and fostering a more connected community.