Panel Discussion

Empowering the People

—Craig Jennings, Director of Federal Fiscal Policy, OMB Watch

President Obama called for greater transparency, participation, and collaboration to improve the quality of government and strengthen democracy. Creative partnerships and out of the box thinking are powerful steps, made even more powerful when matched up with new technology and policy tools. Leveraging the Internet and GIS technology presents a whole new way to inform decision makers and engage the public. Complimentary policies driving government performance and accountability can help focus new efforts. This panel will feature an overview from the perspective of the White House combined with real examples of where technology and policy are helping to make government work better.

NGOs are now capitalizing on the data that government is making publically available and coupling that data with new technology tools to analyze and visualize the data. OMB Watch has championed building a website packed full of data and GIS tools designed to empower other NGOs across the country with facts to enhance their advocacy work. OMB Watch will preview a new website that will be launched in February that links Recovery Act transportation spending with demographic and performance data to address equity issues.