City of Montgomery’s open data portal revitalized after 5 years

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - A website that provides a number of data points to Montgomery residents, including crime statistics for city neighborhoods, is once again up and running. The city is revitalizing its data portal, a site that provides all kinds of information to the public.

In addition to crime reports, the portal gives access to 911 data, census information, city contact details, and more.

The open data portal was created in 2017. In recent years, however, the software that powers the portal had not seen an update in five years, according to analysts.

“It meets all their needs, and they are really excited, and this is the same group that prompted us to refresh it,” said Tracy Williamson, City Operations Program Manager for the Planning, Inspections, Permitting and Engineering Department, also known as the PIPE Department.

“We’re excited to see how Montgomery’s residents will use this tool to make our city even better,” Williamson explained. “This portal isn’t just about sharing data—it’s about building a more collaborative Montgomery.”

Williamson says one of the major development contractors for Facebook parent company META requested the refresh. The process was set to take 90 days, but it was completed in just 28.

“The platform is very user-friendly and maintains a high level of functionality, which not only promotes transparency but invites residents to be active partners in shaping the future Montgomery,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.

“Our team was synced in together, our motivation, our commitment and dedication brought this in,” said GIS Manager Nida Jackson.

And while the portal features all license and permit applications, emergency resources, and city amenity details that are up and running, they’ve also added some new features.

One of those new features incudes a 911 call map, which shows how many emergency calls were made a month compared to years past, and a new story map.

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