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
Eastside Collaborative coworking space envisions a home for black entrepreneurs
Stay on the lookout for Eastside Collaborative, said Maleika Robinson. Recognizing a need for a coworking space specifically for black entrepreneurs, Robinson founded Eastside Collaborative in early 2018 after rebranding the KC Black Coworking Community. Eastside operates from within Uzazi Village on Tuesdays and creates an environment where she and others can be their authentic…
1 Million Cups KC move to Plexpod Westport Commons percolating
1 Million Cups — Kansas City’s most-popular entrepreneur event series — is brewing a move to the area’s largest coworking community. After six years of hosting the entrepreneurial showcase event at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 1MCKC is moving its weekly program to Plexpod Westport Commons. 1 Million Cups began in Kansas City in April…
Lawrence-based Ainstein taking flight with jetpack founder in Red Bull Air Race
When the founder of JetPack Aviation blasts to the sky later this month in Red Bull’s Air Race World Championship, it will be a testament to the innovation and quality at Ainstein, a Kansas radar tech firm, said Bryan C. Boots. “Although our products are widely deployed today in unmanned aviation (drone) applications, this will…
CreativeMornings KC relaunches with art culture, business community in focus
Artists are George Brooks’ people, the Crema co-founder and a co-host of the newly relaunched CreativeMornings KC guild said. “I love that CreativeMornings fosters the idea that we can all view our work, hobbies, and life through lenses of creativity,” Brooks said. “By bringing together a community of people who value creativity, it bridges the…
