How Raleigh became an open source city

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Cover design option 2And I’m published! This is it folks. After months of hard work and a longer than anticipated editing process, you can get your official copy of my book, The foundation for an open source city, at Lulu.com.

It tells the story about how Raleigh became an open source city and showcases the open source culture, government policies, and economic development in Raleigh. Beyond that, this book acts as a guide for other cities to pursue their open source city brand.

I will publish the eCopy version later this week after a few minor changes, then I’ll be investigating how I can add both the paper back and epub versions to Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Continue reading →

Hey RTP: Get involved in open government

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open govt - Image credits opensource.com

Image credits opensource.com

I gave the latest iteration of my “Open source all the cities talk” (slides) at BarCampRDU on Saturday May 18, 2013. When I got to my slide on how to get involved, someone in the room asked me if this was posted on the web. And I was like….no, but that’s a great idea.

There are a number of events or ways you can make our local government in the Triangle region more transparent, enhance citizen participation, or improve collaboration between citizens and government or regionally between municipalities. Here are a few events coming up and some other ways to get started. Continue reading →

Getting ready for my book launch party

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The foundation for an open source city book is done. I’m waiting on the latest print copy to review before the big order. Until then…we’re getting ready for the launch party. It’s a few weeks away and I’m getting very excited! Merri Beth is using Shutterfly to create the invitations. And it’s about time we “Open source all the cities.” Continue reading →

Open source all the cities presentation

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On Thursday, April 11, I gave a talk called “Open source all the cities” at the monthly meeting of the Triangle Linux User Group (TriLUG). The presentation is a look at the open government movement in Raleigh, a preview for my book The Foundation for an Open Source City, and a overview of the different apps and platforms the City of Raleigh has deployed in the Open Raleigh portal. Continue reading →

When citizens get angry

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ncga_sunsetSomething is wrong when you begin to lose trust in your government. While we all may not agree with everything that happens at various levels of the bodies we vote to represent and govern us, when the bond of trust comes into question, people get angry. I’m angry at the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA). Continue reading →

Today, we celebrate Dot

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Spoiler alert, you may need a tissue or two for this post. Just sayin.

Life is short folks, and we take so many little things for granted everyday. When I come home from work, I have four, happy, energetic Border Collies greeting me. Whether I’ve had a great day, a super busy day, or a not-so-great day, tails are wagging and Dot, Nat, Sox, and Rex are excited to see me. When I come home today, our oldest Border Collie, Dot, won’t be there to say hello. Continue reading →

We built this city on open source

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Open Source City stickerIn February 2013, I launched an IndieGogo crowdfunding campaign called Open source all the cities to generate awareness for my book and to help raise money to get the first 500 copies printed. I was overwhelmed by the amount of support. There are still a few days left to contribute if you still want your name in the acknowledgements.

I finished my book today, The foundation for an open source city. As Zander said in the campaign video, “Good job Dad.” Continue reading →

Open source city campaign update

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Open Source CityWith 22 days left to go in the “Open source all the cities” campaign, we’re 94% of the way there with 73 funders. I’m very excited and thankful for all the support. I think we can get to 100 funders before the campaign is over. Can you help me get 27 more funders?

It’s been great to see supportive blog posts from folks like Anthony Pompliano, an entrepreneur in Raleigh interested in improving education, and Luke Fretwell from GovFresh saying, Continue reading →