Commitment: Improving the open data collection and publishing process in Akhaltsikhe Municipality
Commitment Description: The open data concept holds a special place in the process of open governance. The Government of Georgia produces open data on a daily basis at both central and local levels. Regular and proper publication of open data enables the citizens, business sector, and any stakeholders to access the public data and use it to elaborate innovative applications, business projects, and E-services.

For regular and effective publishing of open data, the Open Data Portal www.data.gov.ge was created by the LEPL Data Exchange Agency of the Ministry of Justice within the OGP Georgia Action Plan 2014-2015. Since the creation of the portal, the data on it has been published with low frequency and intensity, especially by the local authorities.

Lack of capacity for open data collection and processing in relevant formats (XML, CSV) is one of the significant challenges faced by the Akhaltsikhe Municipality. Based on this, Akhaltsikhe Municipality has committed to developing an Open Data Action Plan 2019-2020, the effective implementation of which will significantly improve the capabilities for collecting, processing, and publishing open data. Outcome: Open Data Action Plan (2019-2020) and Monitoring Framework have been developed and approved by the Municipality Assembly
Timeline: Start date - October 2018, End date - June 2019
OGP Thematic Areas: Transparency, Accountability, Engagement
Reporting Period: 2019, Annual
Lead Agency: Akhaltsikhe Municipality City Hall
Akhaltsikhe Municipality implemented the Action Plan activities with the support from the USAID/GGI and in close cooperation with the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI). Situational analysis related to open data collection, processing, and publication was conducted during the reporting period. An analytical document was elaborated accordingly. At the same time, the recommendations were developed to improve the current situation. The initial drafts of the Open Data Strategy and Action Plan (2019- 2020) were developed based on this information.

On 4 September 2019, Akhaltsikhe Municipality and IDFI held the public hearing regarding the Open Data Strategy and Action Plan. The meeting was attended by representatives of local civil society organizations, media, academia, businesses, and Akhaltsikhe City Hall.

Akhaltsikhe Municipality City Hall approved the Action Plan for improving open data collection and publication by its Order N2049 7 dated 24 September 2019. Based on the Action Plan, IDFI representatives conducted training for Akhaltsikhe Municipality City Hall staff.