Economic Development via “White Hat” Hacking? 2015 Statewide Conference - CityCamp NC

<p></p> <p>The 2015 edition of CityCamp NC was held in Raleigh, June 11-13. It is the sixth year of bringing citizens, local and state government, and businesses together to improve the quality of life through information technology (IT) and the use of open, public data. Local elected officials from Cary, Raleigh and Wake County spoke, as well as IT start-up and established businesses, interested citizens and more. Some of the topics touched on community and economic development.</p> <p></p> <p>An open and innovative spirit prevailed through conference sessions. People “pitched ideas” and projects, folks reported on efforts in progress and brainstorming sessions were part of the 2.5-day program.</p> <p>One of the five “hackathon” projects on June 13 [i.e., concentrated computer coding to develop an application, usually done by a group coordinating their efforts] was Affordable Housing Resources in Raleigh. Volunteer groups of civic hackers came from Asheville, Cary, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh and other localities. These white-hat hackers want to have more open local and state government data so they can help fellow citizens learn about and influence government policies and programs.</p> <p>The volunteer groups are termed “brigades” as part of the national nonprofit Code for America . Economic Development is one of the four focus areas for 2015. Code for America focuses on economic development at the small and medium-scale, using IT and data mash-ups for new ideas and agile technology development in civic IT start-ups, or by government agencies partnering with businesses of all sizes.</p> <p>CityCamp NC’s openness and speed for working from an idea to a mobile phone application is [...]</p>