Beijing Subdistrict Integrates Gig Workers Into Community Governance

The Government of Desheng Subdistrict in Beijing's Xicheng District has launched a grassroots governance initiative that integrates gig workers, including food delivery drivers, couriers, and ride-hailing drivers, into community safety and welfare efforts. Using a WeChat volunteer group, workers identify urban hazards like broken manhole covers and malfunctioning streetlights. In exchange for these reports, workers earn points redeemable for daily necessities.

Specific programs include a monitoring system for elderly residents living alone, known as the Smiley Face agreement, established by courier Yang Jiajia. The initiative gained momentum after deliveryman Zhang Mengmeng was named a Beijing role model for saving a woman from an icy river, which officials noted inspired other workers to engage more actively with the community.

To support the volunteers, the subdistrict provides rewards and welfare services, including affordable meal packages, additional scooter battery swap facilities, and free childcare and educational classes such as guitar lessons. Similar models of integrating gig workers into local governance are now being implemented in Shanghai and Guangzhou.