In Detroit and New Orleans, open data proponents are pushing local government to share public data in ways that help citizens in these struggling cities to improve their communities.
Next American City's Christian Madera spoke with Kurt Metzger, executive director of Data Driven Detroit, Denice Ross, information systems designer at the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, and Amy Liu, deputy director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution about what role open data has in improving the lives of citizens.
"Next American City: Can you talk about the importance of data in the revitalization process?
Kurt Metzger: Right now in Detroit we're talking about reimagining, reengineering, rightsizing - any number of terms have been used to describe it. Along with partners including the Detroit Office of Foreclosure, Detroit Vacant Properties Campaign and the University of Michigan, we recently did a survey of all the residential parcels in the city to get a feel for what exists in terms of vacant land, vacant buildings, occupied buildings and building conditions. We're trying to develop a broad set of indicators so as to better understand and describe our neighborhoods. In this way, the process of city redesign will be informed by very detailed information, which will be available to decision-makers and community members alike."
FULL STORY: The Data Dividend
Monday Map: Water Infrastructure in New Orleans
The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans has launched its first public dashboards to track its operations and initiatives.
How Cities Are Stopping the Blight Contagion
Every city with neighborhoods in decline and a lack of demand for new investment is faced with the challenge of how to address blight. Each city's challenges are unique, but many are finding new and effective strategies to end the spread of blight.
Lessons for Detroit—from New Orleans
Detroit recently replaced New Orleans as the American city with the highest rate of blight. As Detroit undertakes its plans to shrink, which includes a massive blight removal campaign, what lessons from New Orleans bear repeating?
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service