Dear ,
As a nation, we have decided that access
to public data is a public good. This idea is quite remarkable: government officials allocate funding to ensure we can access information to determine whether they are fulfilling their promises to us.
But the value of public data goes far beyond holding public officials accountable. With access to public data, business owners can determine where to create new jobs, and
nonprofit and state agency staff can identify issues and develop innovative solutions to address them.
Our nation’s success and innovation are partly due to the data transparency that underpins our democracy.
There are currently efforts at the
national level to undermine this tool of democracy and innovation. With the recent firing of an agency head over disappointing numbers and agencies letting go of so many statistical staff that they can’t produce reliable data (see this example and this one), this public good is at risk.
Yet, I feel encouraged because I am part of Connecticut's data community—something you're also part of.
At our conference this year on December 3rd, 250 Connecticut data heroes will come together to strengthen our connections and reaffirm our commitment to data integrity. You’ll hear from outstanding speakers about forming meaningful research partnerships with communities, analyzing spatial data to address inequities, strengthening your organization's data culture, and more.
Will you join us on December 3rd to strengthen our democracy by strengthening the
data necessary for transparency and accountability?
Best regards,
Sarah
