cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Mayor's Office
Information Technology
DATE: August 19, 2021
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting approval to enter into an agreement with Crowe LLP, 225 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 for consulting services to support the City of Aurora in developing, establishing, implementing, and operating an Open Data Strategy in the amount not to exceed $95,100.
PURPOSE:
The City of Aurora is working to establish a comprehensive and strategic Open Data Policy/Strategy consistent across all City departments, citywide. This project will not only provide better access to information citywide; it will provide a more effective means for management to monitor and measure projects in their departments. The process to create and implement such a program is significant, hence the request to have it managed by a third-party vendor with whom we have a track record of success.
Currently, the city has access to the technology tools needed to gather, synthesize and share data, but lacks a cohesive and city-wide strategy. The city seeks a best practice strategy and governance policy that can evolve over time and is cross-departmental focused on function.
BACKGROUND:
The process to implement an open data platform began in earnest during the city's participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. The initial plans and process were delayed by the pandemic, but staff was able to use that time to learn more about the available options and we were able to in effect conduct a "pilot" with the COVID-19 dashboard.
Understanding the importance of empowering our residents and elected officials with information available to them at any time and the ability for city leadership to better manage our projects and processes is important. Implementing this process in a way that can be kept up to date and maintained is vital.
Utilizing Crowe to manage the policy creation and process management will allow the process to move forward in a timely and efficient manner. Crowe is familiar with the city's existing software platforms capable of producing these results and will begin the process by reviewing and examining specifically what we would like to see and determining if our current product(s) can do the job.
DISCUSSION:
Open Data is data that is machine readable, can be freely used, shared and built-on by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose. Through this effort, the City aims to improve and expand its sharing of data with the public as well as within the organization. In addition to increased transparency, sharing data publicly will invite more public input which will lead to better decision making and enhanced service delivery. The proposal from Crowe is a 2-year, not to exceed amount of $95,100 and will be paid from 101-1381-419.32-80. Additional costs for the City's ESRI ArcGIS platform may be incurred over a three to five year period to support this program.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
There is increasing demand for government data and information from the public and stakeholders. Many government entities in Illinois maintain open data portals to share public data and information including the State, Chicago, Kane County, DuPage County and many neighboring municipalities.
The City can increase transparency, improve efficiencies and reduce FOIA burdens by providing data to residents in a proactive, easy-to-use Open Data Portal.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Respectfully request approval of the Resolution authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Crowe, LLP, of Chicago, IL, for consulting services to further the City’s efforts on Open Data and Performance Management.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Crowe, LLP, of Chicago, IL, for consulting services to further the City’s efforts on Open Data and Performance Management.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, access to public information promotes a higher level of civic engagement and allows citizens to provide valuable feedback to government officials regarding local issues; and
WHEREAS, the thoughtful implementation of an open data program improves provision of services, increases transparency and access to public information, and enhances coordination and efficiencies among departments, partner organizations and citizens; and
WHEREAS, in commitment to the spirit of Open Government, the City will proactively publish data containing public information, to the extent practicable, and consistent with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, relevant public records laws, and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the protection of privacy, confidentiality and security will be maintained as a paramount priority while also advancing the government’s transparency and accountability through open data.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorizes the City to enter into an agreement with Crowe, LLP, of Chicago, IL, for consulting services to further the City’s efforts on Open Data and Performance Management.