2025-12-06 –, Main Stream Language: English
Governments generate vast amounts of data, but making it accessible, actionable, and engaging for the public remains a challenge. This session explores how the City of Austin, Texas, USA leverages Python to transform open data into interactive dashboards that foster transparency and empower citizens. Through real-world examples from Austin’s public sector projects, attendees will learn how data visualization and analytics can strengthen community engagement, enhance decision-making, and create a more informed society.
The City of Austin, Texas, USA is committed to promoting transparency and collaboration by using data to empower its residents. As the Open Data Portal Liaison for Austin's Parks and Recreation Department, I have firsthand experience in leveraging Python to turn city data into powerful tools for public engagement.
This talk will showcase:
Using Python to Access and Process Open Data
- Introduction to the City of Austin’s Open Data Portal.
- Demonstrating how Python libraries like Pandas, GeoPandas, and NumPy help in cleaning and transforming raw datasets for analysis.Building Interactive Dashboards
- Real-world examples of dashboards built for utility management, park planning, and public project monitoring.
- Tools like Plotly Dash and Streamlit for creating engaging visualizations that communicate complex data to diverse audiences.Enhancing Transparency Through Data
- How Python-powered analytics promote better governance by making city metrics—like resource allocation and project timelines—available to all stakeholders.
- Insights from Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department projects, including the creation of dashboards for asset management and park accessibility, which improved both operational efficiency and public trust.Live Demonstration
- A step-by-step walkthrough of transforming an open dataset (e.g., park usage or community feedback) into an interactive dashboard.
- Tips and tricks for making dashboards accessible and visually appealing to non-technical audiences.Call to Action
- Encouraging Python developers to engage with open data in their communities.
- Highlighting the importance of open-source tools in fostering equitable access to data.
Whether you are a Python developer, a public sector professional, or simply curious about how technology can bridge the gap between governments and communities, this talk will provide actionable insights and practical skills to make data work for the people. Join me to learn how Python is reshaping the future of governance in Austin, Texas, USA and beyond.
Tanvi Sharma is a Gen Z data enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization. As a data scientist with the City of Austin, Texas, USA, she champions open data and builds dashboards that drive transparent governance and community impact. With a LinkedIn following of 15,000+, Tanvi loves sharing insights and inspiring others in the data world. Equal parts techie and storyteller, she's passionate about using data to empower smarter cities and stronger communities. Off the clock, she's an adventurer, culture enthusiast, and a dancer at heart.