Local governments are using the new tool as a convenient way to turn "small improvements into big impact."

OpenDataSoft is presenting the portals to demonstrate how cities can "use open data to inform decision-making."

Vala Afshar, Salesforce’s chief digital evangelist, encourages cities to prepare for artificial intelligence in technology planning.

Panelists at the "Smart Cities Innovation Summit" believe open data has the power to help local governments make their communities more equal and engaged.