Public agencies can enhance municipal services and promote innovation through the transparent collection and analysis of “Big Data.” The data compiled from data collection technologies currently deployed in cities, such as smart traffic signals, ridesharing, municipal Wi-Fi, taxi trip counts and parking meter usage, provides significant opportunity for local government officials to better understand and address operational needs, and to coordinate and efficiently implement local public services for citizens. For example, data from smart traffic signals can provide insight into congested intersections so that potential traffic-alleviation projects can be considered or made a priority for budget purposes. Another example is tracking parking meter usage to consider flexible demand-based parking rates to ensure availability and reduce negative environmental impacts from cars circling looking for a parking spot.

As identified in a recent article from the Center for Data Innovation, many cities are collecting such valuable information, but may not have the time, resources or expertise to effectively analyze, understand and use such information to benefit citizens.

A cost-effective solution for local governments is to consider public-private partnerships that “enable data innovation.” Like any project, local governments will want to consider and evaluate the different partnering options available, such as those summarized in the article, in addition to being aware of all applicable public contracting laws. However, when done correctly, such collaboration can promote innovation and productivity.

The movement to open data systems provides an important tool to help cities forge a path toward innovation. The safe collection and effective use of data collected through new technologies is not an easy task, but can often be done more effectively through carefully crafted partnerships and adoption of clear policies that protect data collected and explain how it will be used to benefit the public.

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