Los Angeles names first chief data officer
Los Angeles has named Abhi Nemani, the former co-executive director of Code for America, as its first chief data officer, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday.
Nemani’s hiring is the latest in a string of open data initiatives Garcetti’s administration has undertook in the past year, which has included an open data executive directive and the creation of a city open data portal.
“Data has the power to transform the daily lives of LA residents and visitors. Knowing where your money is going, where a parking space is available, and where an event is taking place puts information into the hands of those who need it most,” Nemani said in a statement. “Mayor Garcetti is committed to opening city data for innovators and users everywhere, and I’m thrilled to join his team to help him get there.”
Nemani will join Garcetti’s Office of Budget and Innovation, headed by Deputy Mayor Rick Cole, and will work closely with Chief Technology Officer Steve Reneker, Chief Innovation Technology Officer Peter Marx and the Mayor’s Innovation Performance Technology Unit. Nemani will start on Sept. 2.
His primary focus will be working with city agencies to collect and analyze data along with leading the operation of the open data portal.
“I’m pleased that Abhi Nemani is joining my team to manage the collection of data citywide and create tools to use data that will help solve everyday challenges for our residents,” Garcetti said.
