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 readingTrump administration commits to participating in Open Government Partnership
The big idea behind the Open Government Partnership’s founding in 2011 was that it would provide a platform for the public to hold a national government accountable for meeting commitments that have been created in open consultation between the governed and a government of the people. When countries elect leaders like President Donald J. Trump who don’t value basic democratic norms for accountability, transparency and ethics, it poses a stern test: can a voluntary mechanism between community of democracies be used to protect and defend it?
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.
Continue readingMaking the case for human-centered design for open data
By designing open data programs around the needs of residents, city governments can build trust with communities, creating new opportunities for accountability and effectiveness. This has the ability to spark positive civic action for the greater good.
Continue readingCities need your help making better open data policy
Our What Works cities are asking the public to weigh in on draft open data policies. Help us make better policy with, not for, the public.
Continue readingState Department requests feedback on draft 2016 Open Government Plan
Some federal agencies are already moving to post drafts of their plans for public discussion in advance of the Sept. 15 deadline to post their next Open Government Plan online, including the Social Security Administration and the Department of State.
Continue readingBoston: the tale of two open data policies
Let’s dig into Mayor Walsh's open data executive order, Councilor Wu's proposed open data legislation, and consider what is possible for the future of open data (and open data policy) in Boston.
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