Massachusetts’ capital, Boston, was recently named the #1 top digital city in the world according to the Center for Digital Governments 10th Annual Digital Cities Survey. So on this last day of 2010, we tip our hats to the Mass. government for all their social media efforts this year! Here is our list for the top 10 must-follow government Twitter accounts and what you can expect from each:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts | @MassGov
# Followers: 3,715 | # Tweets: 3,076 | Tweeting since: Sept. 2008
If you were to follow just one Mass. gov’t Twitter account, this might be it. Keep up to date on the major happenings around Mass. by following this handle, which regularly retweets the top, must-know information from other government departments.
Boston Fire Department | @BostonFire
# Followers: 4,471 | # Tweets: 1,028 | Tweeting since: Jan. 2009
Our Boston Ladders deserve some serious props for the personality behind their Twitter account. Follow to stay up to date on their moves in keeping Boston safe, but also for a ton of TwitPics of our firefighters in action. And when there is a fire, expect real-time tweets updating you on progress. If you have their calendar, you are going to love following this handle!
Boston Police | @Boston_Police
# Followers: 18,807 | # Tweets: 2,795 | Tweeting since: Jan. 2009
The Boston Police Department was the very first law enforcement agency in America on Twitter. They have done an incredible job building a following over 18,000 people and providing must-know crime information in real-time. In fact, we’ve done a full blown interview and feature story, so learn more about their social media use here!
Massachusetts Department of Transportation | @MassDOT
# Followers: 4,582 | # Tweets: 2,610 | Tweeting since: Mar. 2009
Nothing is more frustrating than being caught in traffic or stranded on the T, waiting for the bus, or at the airport. Follow this account to stay on top of critical transit information including delays, crime info, and more. The Mass. DOT Secretary also tweets from this account and adds a lot of personality, including pics of the hard workers who keep our roads and transit ways safe and clear.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health | @MassDPH
# Followers: 3,922 | # Tweets: 474 | Tweeting since: Mar. 2009
The Department of Public Health tweets a mix of health warnings, facts and links to articles on tips to stay healthy. They also have a great, informative blog, so expect links to great stories Want to know where you can get your flu shot, or when the flu outbreak starts ramping up? Follow this account.
Boston Logan Airport | @BostonLogan
# Followers: 5,821 | # Tweets: 1,960 | Tweeting since: Oct. 2008
Stay on top of this account for updates on airport weather and security. Have something to report or have a question? Feel free to send them a tweet – this handle boasts tons of interaction with travelers, from their bathroom complaints to their flight delays.
MBTA General Manager | @mbtaGM
# Followers: 1,863 | # Tweets: 925 | Tweeting since: May 2010
Stay up to date on any MBTA delays, breaking news and more by following this official account of the MBTA. The handle is operated by GM Richard Davey, who demarcates tweets with his “RAD” initials. He does a great job tweeting with Bostonians on everything from lost items to their open real-time transit data.
City of Boston | @NotifyBoston
# Followers: 1,287 | # Tweets: 537 | Tweeting since: Mar. 2010
Have an issue in Boston? This handle is operated by Mayor Menino’s 24 Hour Constituent Service and is there to help point you in the right direction. The handle also updates and reminds you about city changes — like snow emergencies, trash removal, if the City of Boston’s website is down, accidents, and lots more. Follow this handle to stay in the know about the City of Boston’s services.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency | @MassEMA
# Followers: 1,336 | # Tweets: 361 | Tweeting since: Nov. 2009
The Mass Emergency Management Agency keeps you in the know related emergencies affecting the state. With the blizzard, for example, MEMA kept you in the know about areas with high power outages, open shelters, roof collapse precautions, and more.
Massachusetts Attorney General | @MassAGO
# Followers: 3,660 | # Tweets: 634 | Tweeting since: Feb. 2009
Mass. Attorney General is there to let you know your rights and provide information to consumers, families and businesses. Expect to learn about consumer protection, fraud, civil rights violations, health care, and insurance issues; but don’t expect the Attorney General to tweet back at you – it operates a strict one-way communication policy.
What other Mass or Boston government Twitter handles do you follow?
