Open Data

Open Data
Commentary
On the SDGs and more, we need to move from data-driven to data-supported cities
A scaled-back strategy for using big data to power local change.
Shannon Dulaney and Laura Hammett and Will Klein and Katie McConnell and Emily Wier September 18, 2017
'Smart' Cities
6 tips to help a ‘smart’ city navigate around privacy issues
“Widespread surveillance could lead to chilling effects on the behaviour of people in public spaces,” warns one advocate.
Brendon Bosworth June 8, 2017
Interview
This man says better data communication is key to making stronger city policy
Talking with ‘data viz’ expert Jon Schwabish.
Brendon Bosworth May 3, 2017
Commentary
Are cities on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030?
Most are doing well on a few targets, but worrying gaps are emerging. And some cities are in danger of backsliding.
Paula Lucci April 19, 2017
Commentary
Yes, ‘govtech’ can change the way cities function
New lessons in open government from Paris.
Tatiana de Feraudy April 3, 2017
Explainer
Explainer: The challenges of measuring cities’ progress on the Sustainable Development Goals
Data gaps. Capacity questions. A guide to the major issues cities are facing.
Brendon Bosworth March 7, 2017
Measuring Progress
If cities are to ‘leave no one behind’, disaggregated data is invaluable
So far, SDGs monitoring relies solely on national-level statistics. But the push for more granular information will receive significant attention throughout this month.
Brendon Bosworth March 1, 2017
Open Government
In Nigeria, the government's anti-corruption campaign relies in part on this data NGO
BudgIT’s online tool tracks the implementation of government infrastructure and service provision projects at the sub-national level.
Brendon Bosworth February 22, 2017
Public Participation
Citizen data can play a key role in monitoring the SDGs — by following a few rules
Report lays out guidelines just as data has moved to top of international agenda.
David Hatch January 24, 2017
Commentary
How do we involve the public in implementing the SDGs?
This German initiative is looking to cities.
Claudia Schwegmann January 23, 2017
Open Government
What cities hope to do in the Open Government Partnership
An initiative to bring more transparency to national governments has begun working with 15 'subnational' authorities as well.
Christopher Swope December 14, 2016
Measuring Progress
Data capacity looms over implementation of urban development goals
Even rich countries will struggle to monitor progress and inform policymaking. But momentum is picking up to fill this gap.
Brendon Bosworth November 30, 2016
Commentary
Can we actually agree on indicators to measure urban development?
A month before Habitat III, there’s no resolution on how to align monitoring of the New Urban Agenda and the ‘urban SDG’. In part that’s due to the complexities of using global frameworks to guide local development — and of measuring progress in cities.
Jacqueline M. Klopp and Danielle Petretta September 19, 2016
Citiscope Feature
As Cotopaxi awakens, Quito and its suburbs get ready for a volcanic eruption
The world’s most dangerous active volcano sits close to Ecuador’s capital.
Gregory Scruggs February 19, 2016
Citisignal
Albuquerque goes digital to connect with citizens

Mayor Berry is credited with using online dashboards and mobile apps to promote transparency and citizen engagement, the Huffington Post reports. 

January 11, 2016
Citisignal
Pittsburgh mayor champions ‘inclusive innovation’

Mayor Bill Peduto cites 100 projects that improve citizen access to technology and city information, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. 

September 14, 2015
Citisignal
Eight cities selected for ‘big data’ support

Bloomberg Philanthropies has chosen the initial batch of participants in a $42 million program that aims to help mid-sized U. S. cities mine urban data.  

August 6, 2015
Citisignal
Nairobi garbage trucks double as data collectors

IBM has equipped trash trucks in Nairobi with technology that gathers statistics on everything from road conditions to driver routes, Mail & Guardian Africa reports. 

July 9, 2015
Citiscope Feature
Can co-working on a deadline create better public policy?
Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Nairobi and Mexico City are preparing to launch the "GovCombinator."
Christopher Swope June 26, 2015
Citisignal
Kathmandu data initiative aids earthquake response

A nonprofit aids humanitarian efforts by digitally mapping the location of hospitals and schools, according to the Rockefeller Foundation. 

June 24, 2015
Citisignal
San Diego to launch “open data” portal in 2016

The city will release statistics about business licenses, crime and other vestiges of urban life to promote transparency and spur innovation, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. 

January 7, 2015
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