The recently released U.S. States Open Data Census discovered that the overwhelming majority of states have a lot of work to do in opening their data to the public.
Sarah Schacht shares insights into the recently completed U.S. States Open Data Census, which "benchmarked states' efforts while enlisting an open assessment process to encourage improvement." U.S. Open Data launched the census early in 2015, concluding in February 2016. During the process, states were allowed "to improve their results as the census looked into their open data initiatives."
Schacht interviewed Waldo Jaquith, U.S. Open Data's executive director, for the article, to get his insight both into the creation of the census as well as the results. Jaquith describes the process as overwhelmingly depressing, due to the lack of transparency and territorialism encountered during the process. Two states, however, stick out in Jaquith as exemplary in their treatment of open data and the census process: Connecticut and Washington.
The article also includes insight from Tyler Kleykamp, chief data officer for Connecticut, and Will Saunders, open data program manager for Washington.
To get an idea of how states' efforts compare to the open data work of cities, check out the U.S. City Open Data Census.
FULL STORY: Open Data Census Provides a To-Do List for States
Washington DC Launches Open Data Chatbot
City data is now available literally at the public’s fingertips, no data analytics skills required.
New Interactive Mapping Tool Tracks all of NYC's Infrastructure Projects, Housing Permits, and City Facilities
The New York Department of City Planning has taken its open data practices to a new level with the launch of the Capital Planning Explorer.
Report: How States Can Improve Housing Policy
While many policies that affect housing are decided on at the local level, there are several steps state officials can take to pave the way for healthier housing markets.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)