The following is some of the questions and answers that relate to the new transparent website. Take a moment to look at this information, it may give some insight to the financial status of the city. #DenverSheriff QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Mayor Hancock rolls out new transparency website Transparent Denver gives public unprecedented access to city finances and public information Q1: What is Transparent Denver? A: Transparent Denver is an open, visible, and accessible site developed for the public to monitor the city’s management of public assets. It’s an unprecedented one-stop site that’s user-friendly, features an interactive/searchable checkbook, and offers 24-hour self-service access into the city’s financial activities. To visit the site, go to denvergov.org/transparency Q2: What was the reasoning behind creating such a website? A: “Public trust is a critical dynamic of a world-class city,” said Mayor Michael Hancock. “I made a firm commitment to making city government more open, accountable and accessible to the residents of our great city. Transparent Denver is the realization of that commitment.” “As we move closer to ensuring a fiscally stronger and more vibrant future for Denver, I am more committed than ever to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government. With greater resources comes an even greater responsibility to bridging the gap between the citizens of Denver and their government.” Q3: How important was it for the city to launch a site like Transparent Denver? A: Very important! Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini has said that, “Open government is critical to an informed public, and an informed public is critical to democracy.” We could not agree more. Government transparency ensures public trust, promotes accountability, allows taxpayers to see clearly how public servants are spending tax money, and gives citizens the tools they need to hold their elected officials accountable. Q4: When did work on the development of the website begin? A: Development of this site began last winter, with a big push within the last 3 months. The new site was developed collaboratively by the Mayor’s Office, Controller’s Office, and Technology Services. Q5: Who will be key users of the site? A: We believe key visitors to Transparent Denver will include: • General taxpayers—interested in monitoring and gaining a better understanding of how the city manages public dollars and investments • Business owners—interested in tracking funds from the city, accessing business records and a another way to access the eBiz Tax Center for filing taxes online • Homeowners—interested in a new way to easily access the assessed value of their home • Developers and Real Estate professionals—interested in a new way to easily access the city’s real estate portfolio Q6: What will be one of the more critical aspects of the website? A: The Online Checkbook—it gives constituents the opportunity to view the city’s expenses in searchable formats. Q7: What else should visitors expect to experience when they visit the site? A: In addition to the Online Checkbook, visitors to the site will be able to: • Search vendors who have received payment from the city in the last 5 years • Review current budget reports • Review current investments by the city • Review and search the city’s current property inventory; and • Register and pay business taxes online Q8: In simple terms, how will citizens benefit from Transparent Denver? A: In addition to reducing public information requests and calls to the city, Transparent Denver will: 1. Provide an easy-to use tool to monitor the city’s financial activities 2. Provide businesses with new access to file and pay taxes online 3. Raise public understanding of city finances To visit the site, go to denvergov.org/transparency Q9: What were some of the logistics of building the site? A: While constructing the site, it was extremely important to leverage information that was already available and capitalize on elements like our Open Data Catalog and our eBiz Tax Center tool. It was also important to further leverage Denver’s overall technology plan and incorporate the tenets of Mayor Hancock’s “eDenver” initiative, which is an online initiative that provides easy, 24-hour access to city services right from your office, your living room or wherever you are with your smart device. The site is constructed around two critical elements: transparency—access to information about what is really happening, and accountability—ways to hold decision-makers accountable for the decisions they make. Q10: What’s ahead for the site? A: In the coming months, the site will be evaluated and appropriate improvements will be made. In the meantime, visitors to the site can provide the city with comments by emailing: [email protected].
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:50:18 +0000
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