Ben Schiller spotlights the four winners of a competition organized by the National Conference on Citizenship and the Knight Foundation to improve civic health by making civic data "more valuable and accessible to decision makers and the public."
With a trove of data on "civic health" gathered over many years, but frustration in making such data easy to use and understand for decision makers and the public, the National Conference on Citizenship and the Knight Foundation launched the Civic Data Challenge. This past weekend, the four winners, out of 170 entrants, were announced.
Among the winners: OpenBlock, which pairs "publicly available data on neighborhoods with geo-located
and time-dated photos. So, for example," explains Schiller, "you can view a photo from the
Rockridge area of Oakland taken in December 2009 or October 2010.
OpenBlock is an open-access platform for hyper-local news, and is
designed to promote economic development."
"How certain characteristics and indicators have ramifications on how we
live is not greatly understood," says the Knight Foundation's Jeff Coates. "But it's really important for citizens
to understand, so they can be better informed and really engaged in what
matters to them."
FULL STORY: Visualizing Civic Data To Make The Case For Civic Health
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners