Civic Innovation

  • Incomplete Take on the History of Open Data in Chicago

    In light of today’s official open data launch by Cook County, I wanted to do a top-of-the-head post about what I know– and what I’ve heard from people who know more– about the history of open data in Chicago. Data journalism has long been a main driver of the open data movement. The current (and…

  • Leaving EveryBlock to Lead the Smart Chicago Collaborative

    I’m excited to announce that this week I have started as the first Executive Director of the Smart Chicago Collaborative. Here’s more: Smart Chicago Collaborative is a new entity that will spearhead information technology-based neighborhood development projects by investing in infrastructure, programs and applications that will make the resources of high-speed Internet more accessible, useful…

  • Open Data Product Idea: Severe Weather Community Center

    Open Data Product Idea: Severe Weather Community Center

    Monday’s short but devastating storm in Chicago reminded me again of a product based on open data that I wish someone would make: a Severe Weather Community Center. I think there would be two parts to this: historical knowledge/ learnings/ upshots and a ready-to-go infrastructure when things go south. I picture the historical info to…

  • AldermanicWebsites.com– a Comprehensive Take on Chicago Political Web Sites

    AldermanicWebsites.com– a Comprehensive Take on Chicago Political Web Sites

    a comprehensive index of the technology, design, and content of Web sites for candidates running for Alderman in the February 2011 Municipal Elections in Chicago, IL.