City of Akron to Hire Data Transparency Strategist

City Council accepts grant funding for new role provided by GAR Foundation

Akron, Ohio (July 30, 2024) - GAR Foundation approved a grant of $125,000 to the Akron Development Corporation to help secure a Data Transparency Strategist for the City of Akron. On Monday, July 29, Akron City Council accepted the funding. The Data Transparency Strategist will lead efforts to collect, identify, analyze, and share city and other data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city services.

"I am committed to data and transparency as two core functions of city government," said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. "I believe this position can ultimately help the city save time and money, as well as provide more information in a quicker fashion than we've ever done before. I look forward to seeing how this role works with our existing data sets and incorporates new ones as we look to share more information with Akron's residents. I want to thank GAR Foundation and the Akron Development Corporation for believing in the importance of this role and supporting this effort."

This position will collaborate closely with cabinet-level leaders and staff to identify data-driven strategies and inputs for effective decision-making and reporting.

"We've seen time and time again that our nonprofit partners who understand and use their data most effectively and strategically can provide the best, most responsive service to the community," said Christine Amer Mayer, President of GAR Foundation. "We are excited to help the City build on its data systems and take the next step toward better service for Akron citizens and a deeper understanding of where we need to go."

Data transparency involves making data accessible, understandable and readily available. Transparency ensures that data is not only clear and open but also comprehensible. It is about communicating on how data is collected, processed, and used. The Data Transparency Strategist will help foster an environment of trust and accountability between the city and its residents.

More information will be coming on a formal job description and how to apply.