Open Illinois.org

As of November 2^nd, changes were made to ChiCityClerk.com that allowed citizens to more easily search and find a greater amount of information about legislation (passed, in the works, and proposed). The City Council has been searching for ways to make the site more accessible with relevant information, reported the Chicago Press Release:

City Clerk Miguel del Valle’s office created an enhanced search feature that allows users to search key 2009 legislation by sponsor or co-sponsor, committee, date or legislation status.

…While the Web site has had the capability for users to search legislation dating back to 1981, Clerk del Valle has consistently worked to make the Website even easier to navigate. He and his staff meet on a regular basis with community groups and residents to find out what features they would like to have available on the Web site.

…The Key Legislation search allows a user to search 2009 legislation by sponsor or co-sponsor, City Council committee, status of the legislation, or date of introduction or passage. Eventually, the office hopes to also add the same search function for 2008 key legislation.

…“But community groups I work with have consistently mention the desire to search on the website for legislation by their local alderman or committee. Now with the new enhanced search feature they will be able do this. It will be easier for everyone to find information and participate in their government.”

In addition, the City Clerk’s office now records and archives video broadcasts of the City Council meetings, which are available to the public. City Council meetings continue to also be broadcast live on the City Clerk’s Web site.

The City Clerk’s Web site now posts Aldermanic Financial Interest Statements and City Council legislation, including the Journal of Proceedings and Executive Orders, broadcasts City Council meetings, and has a searchable database of all City Council legislation dating back to 1981.

After going on the website, it looks easy to use and understand. Listening to the wants and views of voters is a good way of creating websites that provide easily accessible and relevant information—a must for true transparency. It seems Miguel del Valle is responding well to voters concerns and working hard to make Chicago governance more transparent.