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importance of open dataWe certainly live in exciting times, being part of the information revolution. The birth of the Internet has allowed us to easily communicate on a global level, with greater visibility into our local and national communities. We’ve been able to witness first-hand some amazing transformations is how information is shared, how quickly news can spread through our personal networks, and how increased access to knowledge and communication can lead to amazing innovations. Within America’s local municipalities, we’re seeing some exciting things happen when local governments open up their data to the public.

In a recent article from Governing, Yo Yoshida states, “Open Data is a Civil Right.” Here at Mo’mix Solutions, we completely agree. Mr. Yoshida is the Founder and CEO of Appallicious, whose Neighborhood Score application utilizes housing data sets from the City of San Francisco’s open data to provide incredible insight and scoring metrics for every neighborhood within the city.  Unfortunately, if a city hasn’t made those housing data sets available, then this kind of app isn’t of any use to their citizens. Appallicious and other similar applications are part of an exciting trend where civic startups utilize government open data in some truly profound and positive ways. Our own Mo’mix Performance Center offers a consolidated platform for open government data, where meaningful information to taxpayers and political officials can be found in one location.

As citizens, we have the right to help improve our government and local communities. Open Data gives us the raw materials to further educate, innovate, and participate. In the article, Mr. Yoshida goes on to say, “There is a wealth of information housed in local governments that should be public by default to help fuel a new wave of civic participation.”

What I appreciate most about Yo Yoshida’s article is the core message of encouraging readers to call on Congress to pass federal legislation that would require every city to open up their data. Although some local governments have made their own efforts to achieve Open Data Transparency, we’re just barely scratching the surface.

Mr. Yoshida’s call to action touches on an important note: “We can increase accountability and transparency, but most importantly we can revolutionize the way local residents communicate and work with their government.”

To learn more, I recommend reading the full article at Governing.

-Adrian Valente

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