We’re conducting new research to understand how adopting open data policies affects the number of FOIA requests cities receive, who submits requests, and the type of information citizens seek.
Continue readingHow Bethlehem PA wrote its own open data policy—and you can, too
It doesn't take a huge staff or financial investment to start publishing open city data. Just ask Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Continue readingMemphis, TN uses a crowdlaw approach for its new open data policy
The City of Memphis unveiled a new open data policy earlier today, and we’re particularly excited about it because the city created the policy using crowdlaw, a relatively new part of our standard recommendations for cities.
Continue readingMake open data policy more participatory with our new crowdlaw guide
Crowdlaw and open data policies are uniquely suited for one another: both are rooted in the principle that democratic government is a participatory and collaborative exercise. Successful crowdlaw processes require more than simply posting a draft policy language online, however. Our new guide is designed to help city staff make this process as robust and inclusive as possible.
Continue readingOpen data policy, participation, and progress: Sunlight Open Cities’ 2017 year in review
2017 was one of the most tumultuous years in recent political memory for the United States, but throughout the year city halls emerged as leaders on civic innovation, transparency, and good government.
Continue readingNew York City’s open data audit is a promising model for accountability
Eight years since Portland, Oregon passed the nation’s first open data policy, open data advocates are now beginning to shift... View Article
Continue readingSioux Falls, South Dakota aims to improve neighborhood services with the help of open data
The City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, wants to make it easier for residents to see and understand what's happening in their city. A new open data policy, a major component of that work, is now open for public comment.
Continue readingWorried about public comments on draft open data policy? Here are the most common sentiments.
Inviting public comments on draft policy can be a daunting proposition, especially in the age of angry Internet comments. Knowing how residents in other cities have responded to draft open data policy can help make that process more approachable. To better understand that we took a look at the most common sentiments in draft open data policy comments.
Continue readingWho are the most common commenters on open data policies?
A number of cities have invited feedback on draft open data policies — but who actually participates? We analyzed 164 comments made by 65 users on the online drafts posted by 9 American cities to find out.
Continue readingPublic comments on city open data policies focus on governance, uses and privacy
Our analysis of public feedback on the draft open data policies posted by nine American cities online found that comments focus most on governance, usability and privacy. We hope cities will apply this information towards more meaningfully engage with the public.
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