New Open Checkbook portal documents city’s expenditures dating back to 2009
BIRMINGHAM – The City of Birmingham has launched its Open Checkbook portal on the city’s website as the latest step in efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
The Open Checkbook documents budgeting and expenditures dating back to fiscal year 2009. The portal consists of nearly a million pieces of data per fiscal year.
“The Open Checkbook portal is helping us uphold our campaign promise of a transparent government,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “I encourage everyone to visit the portal and see exactly how we’re directing our resources to make Birmingham stronger.”
To access the portal, visit birminghamal.gov. Find the Open Data portal on the top menu bar, then click Transparency.
Visitors can view four separate reports:
– The Annual Report provides the amount of money allocated to each department in the City of Birmingham for each fiscal year
– The Budget to Actual Report shows the money budgeted for each department and how much money was spent on each department for every fiscal year
– Neighborhood Allocations allows visitors to view all money allocated to each neighborhood association for all 99 neighborhoods
– Transaction Report details all individual transactions made from each department, with detailed descriptions.
The Open Checkbook portal is the latest step in making the city more transparent through easy access to public records. Last week the city launched an interactive online directory that lists all boards and agencies, their functions, members and term lengths. This portal will also give individuals the ability to apply directly online for board service.
