Providence launches Open Data Portal available online

This summer the city took an important step in our efforts to improve the transparency, accessibility and accountability of city government: Providence became the first municipality in Rhode Island to launch an Open Data Portal. Our new Open Data Portal enables citizens to view, analyze, upload and share detailed data generated by various city departments. The Providence Open Data Portal is available online at http://data.providenceri.gov. Modeled after similar initiatives in New York City, Chicago and Baltimore, the Providence Open Data Portal increases the transparency, accountability and accessibility of public data. Hosting an Open Data Portal was one of several key recommendations from my Open Providence Commission for Transparency and Accountability, established by my administration and the Providence City Council to study and make recommendations to help Providence better engage residents through information technology. The Open Data Portal is an important step forward in our work to implement the recommendations of the Open Providence Commission and reflects our strong commitment to transparency and accountability. Government works best when it is transparent and accessible to constituents. I invite you to learn more about our great capital city, its many programs and services and take a look at the City of Providence's Open Data Portal. Angel Taveras is the mayor of Providence.