V. Program Goals

The Open Data Program and Open Data Portal exist to:

• Improve public understanding of City operations, key priorities and decisions, and information about their communities;

• Improve provision of prompt and efficient services to residents;

• Increase transparency and accountability through access to public information;

• Generate economic opportunity for individuals and companies that benefit from the knowledge generated by Open Data;

• Empower City employees, Departments, and partner organizations to be more effective and better coordinated internally to increase opportunities to serve the public;

• Support better informed decision making through the aggregation, synthesis and analysis of data previously stored within departments;

• Promote higher levels of civic engagement and citizen feedback to government officials regarding local issues;

• Encourage innovative uses of public information and innovative technology solutions by City employees, partners and civic technologists;

• Preserve City staff time and resources through proactive release of information sought through public records requests;

• Arrange and expedite data-sharing agreements with trusted partners, and

• While supporting these public objectives, a priority of the Tempe Open Data Policy is to maintain the protection of privacy, confidentiality, and security.