mySidewalk partners with the White House on its open data initiative

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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.