Open Data Program

Purpose

The Legislature has found that government records and information are a vital resource to both government operations and to the public that government serves. Broad public access to state government records and information has potential for expanding citizen access to that information and for improving government services. Electronic methods for locating and transferring information can improve linkages between and among citizens, organizations, businesses, and governments. (See RCW 43.105.351)

When government makes data available in an open and readily usable format we enable citizens, colleagues, companies and communities to understand and amplify the civic purposes we work on. Open data allows collaboration between private and public organizations dedicated to a common cause; it facilitates transparency in government and supports the state's digital economy.

Policy DATA-01 states what the Open Data Program provides for agencies, requires agencies to have open data advisors, and requires agencies to create a one-stop catalog of regular state statistics and data publications on data.wa.gov. If needed, agencies may take up to 5 years to accomplish this and may ask the Open Data Program for support. The new policy reflects input from 18 agencies of various sizes, hundreds of consultations with publishers, and review of best practices and data.wa.gov use. 

 

Cover Sheet

• DATA-01 - Open Data Program Coversheet

Resources

• Guidance: Agency Open Data Advisor Selection and Support
• Guidance: Public Data Discoverability
• Guidance: Data.wa.gov Catalog Criteria and Sample Gallery
• Guidance: Cataloging Your Agency’s Open Data on Data.wa.gov FAQ
• Guidance: Metadata Guidance for Data.wa.gov Publishers
• Guidance: Removing Assets from Data.Wa.Gov
• Procedure: How to create external links on data.wa.gov