City’s Open Data Continues to Grow with Release of Financial Data Sets

Today, the City of Mississauga published its 2016 Budget data set to its Open Data program, bringing the total of open data sets to 32.

“The release of the City’s 2016 budget data set is a modern way to show our commitment to being open and accountable,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “We are continuing to find new ways to connect with citizens that allow them to understand what decisions are being made and how. The 2016 Budget data set provides an opportunity to use and publish the information in new, creative and innovative ways.”

The 2016 Council approved Budget is a collection of financial data that supports the City’s business plan and budget. It includes:

• 2016 Approved Budget Changes – includes Council changes to budget
• 2016 Approved Operating – full City budget and budgets for each service area
• 2016 Approved Capital – capital projects approved with their budget impact and funding sources
• 2016 Approved FTE Summary – number of full time equivalent (FTE) employees approved by Council and projected FTEs for the next two years

This is the first time the City has published its Open Data financial data sets and there are plans to publish this information annually. Mississauga joins other large municipalities in North America that have made their Budget data available on an Open Data portal online to everyone.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to include new data sets that are valuable and useful,” said Shawn Slack, Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. “The data sets are available for public research, analysis, reporting and the development of mobile applications. It’s about collaboration with the community and sharing the information in meaningful ways with different audiences.”

Last year, Council approved a new corporate policy and procedure for the City’s Open Data program. Since then, new data sets were added regularly in the areas of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Business and Economy; Local Government; Environment; Infrastructure; Land Use and Development; Parks and Recreation and Transportation. For a complete list, visit: data.mississauga.ca.