The first stage of a “financial transparency suite” website has been unveiled and is ready for public use. The site focuses on the County budget and includes an electronic budget book and an interactive feature that allows County residents and businesses to better understand and navigate the budget.
The website is searchable, more user-friendly and accessible from mobile devices. For example, residents can create their own analysis of County finances and develop charts or graphs to meet their needs. The electronic budget publication can be quickly translated into 90 different languages. Future additions to the website will include spending and procurement data.
Developed by Montgomery County and Socrata, the site has already been adopted by governments, such as the City of Boston.
During the website’s development, feedback from residents was sought to ensure it would fit their needs and was easy to use. Members of the civic and business community were also consulted throughout the development period.
The new website is at budget.data.montgomerycountymd.gov and reports.data.montgomerycountymd.gov/omb.
