Now that Chapel Hill has joined the ranks of cities around the country in launching on online platform to share its data, it's up to citizens to make the most of the opportunity.
"The Town of Chapel Hill has joined Raleigh, Durham and Cary in a national trend of posting the city government’s information on a user-friendly website," reports Jordan Wilkie.
After introducing the idea of Open Data and detailing the business deal the city made with data management company OpenDataSoft to launch the online platform, Wilkie describes the potential of the project.
Among those ready to take advantage of Chapel Hill's new open data platform is Jason Baker, a Chapel Hill resident and longtime blogger on Orange County politics. The article quotes Baker directly, describing his hope for the new data: "The project I’m trying to build is a toolkit for empowering neighborhoods and other community groups to make better planning and zoning decisions…"
FULL STORY: In bid for tranparency, Chapel Hill launches open data project
Washington DC Launches Open Data Chatbot
City data is now available literally at the public’s fingertips, no data analytics skills required.
Despite Funding Challenges, Chapel Hill Offers Extensive Free Transportation Network
The North Carolina college town boasts free transit and dozens of miles of bike lanes and greenways.
North Carolina’s Triangle Faces Growing Pains
The region’s rapid growth and high housing costs are prompting a contentious debate over zoning changes that would boost density.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.
How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.
Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions