It Started 20 Years Ago

Philip, a decision scientist and programmer, and Carie, then a public policy mediator, met each other at a time when the whole notion of transparency in government was having its (cosmetic) day. We were idealistic. We realized that government can lay a lot of information out there, but it is not necessarily the information people are interested in, and – very importantly – what people want is often not findable. To be drowned with a fire hose of information, and actually being informed, are not the same. And on a psychological level, providing information in the well-worn grooves of bureaucracy doesn’t exactly inspire citizens with a sense of agency. But that worn groove isn't just in government; it is everywhere.

In this navigation system, we are throwing the grooves out. No, that's not it exactly. Rather, we are inviting you to make your own path. The content is ours. The meandering is yours.