mySidewalk partners with the White House on its open data initiative
October 10, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
Editor’s note: In response to readers’ desire for quick-hitting stories, Startland News is launching a new segment, “News Flash,” to enable more coverage. Let us know what you think!
Kansas City tech firm mySidewalk is working with the White House.
The firm on Friday announced its participation in The Opportunity Project, an initiative that will use open data in efforts to expand opportunity for all.
The project was established in March to put data tools in the hands of civic leaders across the country. The mission is to make it easier for leaders to navigate information on critical resources such as access to jobs, housing, transportation and schools.
Twelve pilot cities were chosen for the project, including Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Francisco and Washington.
mySidewalk CEO Nick Bowden and chief operating officer Stephen Hardy are taking on projects from the Department of Transportation and the Office of the Surgeon General. With the DOT, mySidewalk will focus on connecting community leaders with transportation information. With the OSG, the platform will equip parents and community leaders with tools to measure emotional well-being.
Founded in 2010, mySidewalk created a data tool that allows communities to easily access relevant statistics by location — and even compare to other communities. Working with municipalities, elected officials, education groups and more, the platform aims to engage communities to share ideas and stay informed of new initiatives. The company has raised $23.2 million and in 2013 acquired VoterTide for an undisclosed amount.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Buildings and bus stops: Rebecca Tombaugh paints KC — sometimes with a stick
A lack of clear direction felt liberating as Rebecca Tombaugh unrolled a 12-foot piece of heavy paper in her backyard and got to work, she said. The 59-year-old artist had been tasked with painting a mural of sorts for the Nonprofit Village, a coworking spot that soon would open at 31 W. 31st Street. It’s…
KC-based PatientsVoices pulls $150K in first round of seed capital, additional $75K from MTC
Competing for a spot in a Nashville-based health tech accelerator, PatientsVoices landed its first round of seed capital — with a booster shot from the State of Missouri. A $150,000 innovation grant from Jumpstart Foundry investment group represents a leap forward for PatientsVoices, headquartered in iWerx’s North Kansas City entrepreneurial development center, said founder and…
Beyond buzzwords: Foxtrot Supply mounts protest of an increasingly online-only world
A large butcher block table stands between the owners of Foxtrot Supply Co. and its customers. But the found-object centerpiece of their Crossroads store is meant as a meeting place, not a barrier, said Ryan Hetu. “It’s alluring, inviting and kind of vulnerable,” the Foxtrot co-founder explained. Stitched into the high-traffic fabric of First Fridays…
Peek inside: Made in KC Marketplace offers a glimpse of its new Plaza store (Photos)
Amid the bustle of traffic and construction in one of Kansas City’s most dominant shopping destinations, the Made in KC Marketplace has quietly been taking shape on the Country Club Plaza. The retailer — which specializes in showcasing wares crafted by local makers — opened the doors of its new location with little fanfare this…