As the idea of making data publicly accessible (open data) proliferates, current evidence shows that the outcomes from this approach yield benefits beyond the traditional considerations of increased transparency and support for public participation in government. These days, cities across the country are looking to open data to improve program and service delivery, and to spark the innovation needed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our communities.
Did you know that Portland was the first city in the U.S. to establish an official open data policy back in 2009?! In 2017, Portland made an even stronger commitment to the publication, open access, and widespread sharing of data collected and generated by the City by passing a new Open Data Ordinance. This Ordinance dovetailed with a big expansion of data shared by bureaus on separate City websites.
Now, under the leadership of the Smart Cities team from the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, the City is now working towards a more unified approach to open data. The expansion of a centralized open data portal is well underway, with datasets highlighting the City's response to COVID-19 expected to be available in early 2021.
As we look towards the ways that having more accessible public data will translate into improved decision making, economic development, collaboration and public participation in the future, this conversation examines Portland’s efforts at expanding our open data portal and encouraging its use today.
Learn More
- Open data: A key component for 21st century digital services by Hector Dominguez, the City of Portland's Open Data Coordinator.
- City of Portland Open Data Program