Open Data

Open Data Policy

In 2021, Charleston City Council adopted an open data policy to memorialize our commitment to an open and transparent government. Since then, we have been actively working to publish non-sensitive public data. This data can be viewed, downloaded, and transformed into anything the public wishes.

 


What is "Open Data"?

Open data is data that is freely accessible to anyone. Unlike FOIA requests, the public does not have to wait before they can access the data. Once the city’s open data portal is updated and public, anyone will be able to download or view the city’s public data. This data is different from protected data because it is classified as public information. Examples of the city’s open data include crime data, economic development data, GIS data, 311 call center averages, and much more!

What data is available?

Process & Service Improvement and IT departments are actively updating the city's current data inventory to be complete and accurate. The new inventory will be ready for viewing and downloading by fall 2026! 

This inventory will serve as a catalog of the city's non-sensitive public data. Certain datasets will not be published because they contain private or sensitive information, you may be to request them through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Anything that does not contain protected information will be published and ready for the public. 

Where can I get the data?

The city has two main data portals where you can access the data. One specifically for policing data and a more general data portal for all other city departments. Both portals provide users with the ability to view the data, download the data in a variety of formats, or consume the data via API to be consumed in external applications or dashboards. 


How can I get assistance?

For the current inventory, please view the help guide and video tutorials to navigate the portal and access open data. For further help, send a request or question via the Citizen Services Desk or email kingm@charleston-sc.gov.