Reimagining engagement in the age of distraction—this app transforms everyday digital behavior into tangible civic action, fueling a local-first economy that rewards both people and places.
We scroll, tap, swipe, and react every day—but what if those interactions could do more than entertain or consume our attention? What if they could build stronger communities, fund local businesses, and drive real-world impact?
The Civic App does just that.
Born from the idea that civic participation should be as easy, rewarding, and habit-forming as our favorite digital platforms, the Civic App is a first-of-its-kind platform that turns daily engagement into a new kind of currency—Civic Points.
These points are earned through real interactions: visiting local businesses, attending community events, voting, scanning QR codes in public spaces, or even just checking in. But unlike traditional platforms that harvest attention for profit, the Civic App is designed to return value to the community. Points can be donated, redeemed, or used to sponsor resources—like free meals for unhoused residents via smart vending machines.
Apps like Instagram, Uber, and TikTok mastered the art of hijacking our dopamine pathways—keeping us hooked through likes, dings, and endless feeds. But we’re not here to exploit that. We’re here to reclaim it. The Civic App uses the same behavioral psychology to inspire action, not addiction. It’s civic tech that understands modern humans—and helps us want to do good.
In this platform, attention isn’t extracted—it’s invested. Every interaction becomes a micro-contribution to the engagement economy, a model where participation has real-world civic ROI. Your time, clicks, and choices directly support Sacramento’s small businesses, community initiatives, and underserved neighbors.
It’s not charity—it’s infrastructure.
It’s not a game—it’s gamified empowerment.
For now, the Civic App is focused on Sacramento County and the Greater Sacramento Area, keeping the economy local and the impact visible. Only local, independently owned businesses are eligible—no franchises, chains, or corporate conglomerates. The platform will never host brands like Nestlé or Amazon. It’s designed for and by the community, creating a space where small business owners, residents, and civic leaders are all connected by shared purpose.
At the heart of the Civic App’s mission is not just participation—but shared prosperity. That’s where our partnership with local vending machines comes in.
Soon, you’ll see CEC vending machines placed across Sacramento—stocked with local goods made by the very businesses featured on the app. But these aren’t just snack machines. They’re portals for compassion.
Here’s how it works:
When a CEC app user purchases a local product, whether in-store or from a vending machine, their purchase triggers a “Buy One, Give One” moment. A second item is unlocked—free of charge—for a nearby unhoused neighbor carrying a CEC-issued Black Card.
These refillable cards offer more than emergency sustenance—they offer dignity, choice, and access to real community-made products.
The Civic App is currently in its early deployment phase. We’ve completed our core concept, visual mockups, and MVP framework, with strong progress toward making the platform functional and engaging.
We’re focused on building intentional local relationships and finalizing the foundation that will power the engagement economy. Our aim is to ensure the app launches with a strong, community-rooted presence—prioritizing usability, accessibility, and real-world benefit.
As we continue to develop, we’re welcoming early collaborators who believe in using technology to make civic participation rewarding, local economies stronger, and digital engagement more meaningful.