7 public data projects enhancing civic engagement

Source: Smart Cities Dive Published: June 11, 2020

At a time when public trust in government is wavering, a group of tech-minded city leaders are hopeful they can use data to regain community confidence and improve civic engagement. 

The Knight Foundation has invested $1 million in seven projects across the country that will use data to create more informed and engaged communities. The projects are designed to build new models of public trust that hold governments accountable while also creating data that is accessible, applicable and easy-to-understand. 

"These projects meet residents where they are — on platforms they recognize and in the cities they know — to show that we can engage residents with data and create more responsive communities," Lilian Coral, Knight's director for national strategy and technology innovation, said in a statement. 

"Utilized well, open data could help local governments effectively tackle major community issues, such as the health effects of lead and pollution, or growing gentrification in communities."

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