democracy map.

do california

import census files. display on map. build body, agencies, people

--

In the last few months, I have connected with some really great people stemming from my response to an email list about the concept for a project to entail all states, counties, and cities in the United States. I got in touch because I had developed a prototype for this project more in early 2008, but had to shelf it after taking a new job.

Nevertheless, I have made significant progress on the project, and am writing about it today.

Democracy Map

An open database containing basic democratic information, including all States, Counties, and Cities, plus Public Officials on Elected bodies or elected by citizen vote.

The website is designed as a web resource, enabling developers to use its API to grab data that can further be extended upon in various ways.

OpenSolano.org

OpenSolano.org is a website built using data provided by Wepublic.org. The website focuses on information pertaining to Solano County.

DMap Ruby Gem

I also built a ruby gem as a wrapper to DMap data. It is open-source, posted on Github.

---

Greetings DemocracyMap group,

I wanted to introduce myself and share some work and notes about DemocracyMap work I've been pushing along as I can. I'm primarily focused on gathering data and high-level system architecture. My work has been in Ruby/Rails and MySQL, but the DB can be ported if necessary, in the future. The current work is online in a rough format at http://api.wepublic.org, where it will remain until it moves to a more permanent and sustainable home at http://democracymap.org. I embarked on this effort a couple years back, but got overwhelmed by the scope-creep and a full-time job, so it sat on the shelf. However, I've been able to pick it back up recently, and am giving it part-time attention.

In order to see this through, it's important to clarify goals and objectives, as well as a workable way to coordinate an asynchronous effort to 1) get this off the ground, and 2) sustain a vast, ever-changing dataset. Some useful links:

• Project Outline
• Development Website
• Prototype UI Website

Forum

Ruby .gem (to consume)

The value of an open, complete database of local jurisdictions (city, county, state), as well as the public officials responsible at each of those levels is significant, in terms of informing citizens and engaging them with their communities and government. From dabbling in this space, I've found 50 states, 3100+ counties, and 12,000+ cities, multiplied by the number of public officials; ~35,000+ at the county level, and ~60,000+ (at first pass) at the city level.

By placing this basic, yet distributed information in an open database, with a RESTful API, developers will be able to leverage the information to develop widgets, websites, apps, and more to provide localized and contextualized information about the social, representative institution that is our government. Additionally, there is significant non-technical work to be done in terms of collaborating with citizens, government, and private/nonprofit orgs to support such an effort.

I'd appreciate your feedback, in all aspects, from the site design, API design, to how to develop and sustain a community effort.

Ryan Wold

---

DemocracyMap is a project I've been tinkering with for a while. Mentally, its been all-consuming. As a government employee, I've seen the confusion that arises from the complexities of several different levels of government, based on location and jurisdictions.

Many, rather I'd say "most" departments are just trying to keep heads above water, meeting regulations, mandatory deadlines, and the general workload. Likewise, citizens are busy living lives and often do not have time or capacity for civic activity. Without enough attention from the inside or outside, government runs amok without clear direction or aspirations from the people, and are left to succumb to corporate influences and the inherent politicking of public office. An adequate amount of attention promotes interaction and accountability.

In response to the overwhelming number of departments, agencies, and officials in my city and county, it occurred to me that a centralized interface to government is very attractive as a citizen. This is what I've been working on it in my little spare time, and here is my work along these lines.

Big thanks to Steve Clift of e-Democracy.org and Phil Ashlock of OpenPlans, for kindling the flames of discussion and for all the knowledge and progress shared so far on this side project.