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New website program in Hazelwood
Partnership with Socrata Provides
Transparency in Hazelwood Budget Data
Hazelwood has partnered with Socrata, the world leader in cloud solutions for open data and data-driven government, in launching an Open Budget Data Portal. This will help improve transparency by providing residents with a guided view through the City’s 2015-16 Budget. This financial database software, linked to the City’s website at www.hazelwoodmo.org, is designed for quick deployment and citizen empowerment.
“Our goal with using Socrata’s open data platform is to make it easier for citizens to access and use public information. We also want to give them a more transparent look at how we allocate public funds,” Hazelwood Director of Finance Lori Helle said. “The charts, graphs and tables are all highly interactive, allowing residents to explore and engage with their local government.”
With Socrata’s financial transparency suite of applications, governments large and small are now able to publish budget and spending data quickly, economically and in a consumer-friendly way. Citizens and staff will see budget and spending data in vivid color and in real time. The charts, graphs, and images are attractive, navigable, and easy to understand.
Residents will be able to locate the hyper-link button labeled “Budget Dashboard” on the home page of the City’s website, as well as on the Finance Department web page. The City of Hazelwood operates on a July 1–June 30 Fiscal Year. Open Budget Hazelwood contains the actual budgeted amount, as well as YTD transactions.
Socrata’s financial software makes searches easier. Residents can quickly search the data portal using keywords to find charts, graphs and other visuals to better understand and analyze the data.
“Socrata now has more than 200 of the most innovative, top-tier public-sector customers around the world deploying its Open Data, Performance Management and Financial Transparency Technology Solutions,” Socrata Strategic Account Manager Ryan Mannion said. “Open data adoption and usage is exploding exponentially at all levels of government globally. Eighty percent in a recent survey said they plan to maintain or increase their open data spending.”
