Open Source Detroit

Another way we can invest in ourselves is by having the city use open source software. It is considerably less expensive than proprietary software. (The licenses are free but there are maintenance and other costs.) It would help Detroit's image as an emerging technology city, cut down our budget and along with strong policies and procedures put our finances back on the right track once and for all. I would also like to see Detroit students in high schools and community college working on improving the software in their classes and graduating to be the people who get the jobs to maintain and improve the software.

• Look at Bloomington Indiana! So forward thinking about technology! Maybe we could have a partnership with them?
• How they are using open source in Europe.
• The Open Source Software Institute  OSSI's mission is to promote the development and implementation of open source software solutions within U.S. Federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Open311 For reporting non-emergencies. I think there should still be a number to call for people who are not tech savvy, but I think this would reduce the calls considerably.
• Creating Municipalities that Work like the Web
• Introducing the idea of an open-source suite for municipal governments from the Harvard Kennedy School  
• Apps for citizens. I think apps are helpful, but following through on information received is the most important part.
• Improve My City App "The application enables citizens to report local problems such as potholes, illegal trash dumping, faulty street lights, broken tiles on sidewalks, and illegal advertising boards. The submitted issues are displayed on the city's map. Users may add photos and comments. Moreover, they can suggest solutions for improving the environment of their neighborhood."
• How a large city used open source (this one costs to read but it looks promising)
• A discussion of municipalities who use open source software.

There is so much to do in this area for the city and it is all full of possibilities.