We Are A What Works City! > Now Is The Time for Open Data in Mesa

Open Gvt Voices

A guest opinion piece on Sunlight Foundation OpenGov Voices blog by Alex Deshuk [Chief Innovation Officer for City of Mesa] on August 10, 2015 @ 12:01 a.m.

[Excerpts included here. Please read here for complete post.]

Mesa is excited to be involved in Bloomberg’s What Works Cities initiative because of the way it engages the public in discussing the data behind key strategic decisions . . . We plan on using Sunlight’s open data principles and guidelines as we build our strategic priorities and open data strategy to improve where we work, live and play in Mesa. We want to build an open data portal that provides a visual around our strategic goals to increase understanding internally and externally. In addition to the visual charts or maps, we’ll provide the full dataset for the public to use and expand upon.
Aligning with mayoral, council and city manager priorities, we will begin this process concentrating on three citywide strategic efforts: 

• Increase the prosperity of Mesa residents
• Reduce blight in Mesa
• Increase the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Mesa. 

Much more to come on the specifics! . . .  [left blank, but a promise] . . . 
Open data is about transparency, yes – but it’s also about better decision-making. An open data portal should be the way citizens see clear demonstration of progress (or not!) with specific goals or performance using data, not rhetoric; a dialogue to discuss what’s important among the noise; another way to identify gaps or new areas of interest. 

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Alex Deshuk at center in image
from City of Mesa Newsroom

Who is Alex Deshuk? Alex Deshuk is the chief innovation officer for the City of Mesa, Ariz., and is a direct report to the city manager. He oversees a combined team of 400 employees and an operating budget of approximately $50 million. He is responsible for championing new and existing initiatives that streamline operations and improve customer service, as well as overseeing complex organizational change projects including technology and vertical business applications. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the guest blogger and those providing comments are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Sunlight Foundation.