Showcase Value, not Technology When Going After Critical Datasets - Fred Baltrusis (IndyGIS)

The Plan Obtain legals for all Taxing and TIF districts Digitize any changes to existing data Spread the word Perform analysis for various departments Incorporate into existing and new tools

Why so important? “Money, money, money, money…” Accurate distribution of funds Faster and more reliable depictions of potential changes Increased efficiency Data storage and central location

Data Characteristics 61 Taxing Districts 32 TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Districts Not all contiguous Extreme sizes

Contacts 30+ people 18+ offices City-County Council meeting minutes Law library Off-site archive files

Problems Encountered No responsibility Confusion Finger pointing Suspicion Fear Poor record keeping Data not centrally located

Oh yeah, MAPS!!!

Map Effects Township Assessors – got their attention County Assessor – had not seen any TIF maps Auditor – also impressed, very good to see the data in graphic form, reward cooperation Bond Bank – may task a project manager with obtaining the legals, guarded

Next time… Communicate potential uses Team up with key departments Showcase value of accurate, accessible data Emphasize objectivity Reward cooperation Build relationships (always) Use maps, etc. from start Help others to see beyond “the way it’s always been”

Thanks for coming! Contact info: fbaltrus@indygov.org (317) 327-3760