Analytics/Evaluation
Why open data needs a mission
Chase Gunter, Federal Computer Week
According to the Obama administration’s top data scientist, open data has the power to help reveal and remediate social problems, but the data doesn’t mean much without a mission behind it.
Cool Cities Rely on Technology; Smart Cities Rely on Data and Partnerships
Ryan McCauley, Government Technology
Kansas City, Mo., serves as a model for how municipalities can encourage innovation and reap the long-term benefits.
OMB’s latest DATA Act guidance highlights PII, financial assistance
Meredith Somers, Federal News Radio
Personally identifiable information and data “validity” are the focus of the Office of Management and Budget’s latest DATA Act guidance.

Innovation
Innovation in government starts with being intentional
Dan Helfrich, Federal Computer Week
An industry leader argues that it’s good to keep the “dinosaurs” on their toes.

Open Government
Federal Advisory Committees’ Rosters and Costs Rise, Says CRS
Charles Clark, Government Executive
The next president, on top of making 4,000 political appointments to agencies in his first year, will also help name hundreds of specialized experts to more than 1,000 federal advisory committees.

Presidential Transition
Transition moves into high gear
Chase Gunter, Federal Computer Week
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has 73 days to get ready to take over the federal government.