The pace of technological change is moving at such a speed that many in local government are feeling overwhelmed with the multitude of new apps, software and data innovations that are coming on-line almost every day.
It’s easy to get lost in the noise of what even constitutes transparency anymore. In the end, the key is “usability.” Previously referred to as “user friendly” in the pre-Twitter world, “usability” means that the public is not only able to access your city’s data, but can easily recognize what questions it answers. The average resident can’t discern what an actual city budget means so poring over 150 page document often leaves one with more questions – and frustration -- than answers.
Enter OpenGov, an innovative technology company that makes your city more open and transparent by making your financial data more usable to your residents. Financial data in cities can now be broken down – all the way to the checkbook level by department – in a simple format that has proven to build public trust, eliminate disagreements on how money is actually being directed and serve as a resource for public discussions and long term city planning.
In just over 18 months, over 100 local governments have signed on to OpenGov – the vast majority of those are in California. We’re proud to be partnered with this company and are even more proud of the fact that we’ve being opening doors to local government leaders so that they can open their financial books to their residents.
Sausalito’s City Treasurer, Charlie Francis, will be hosting a webinar tomorrow with the OpenGov co-founders, Zac Bookman and Nate Levine, to discuss the impacts this service has had in their city. We hope you’ll take the time to join them and see what California’s cities are doing to forge greater trust, transparency and confidence with their residents.
To RSVP, click here.