http://hackthecommute.seattle.gov/#sthash.3m59oSDx.dpbs

A Civic Hackathon Presented by the City of Seattle and Commute Seattle

(Background: @HacktheCommute. http://www.theurbanist.org/2015/02/11/seattle-invites-tech-community-to-hack-transportation/ …. Next up Open DATA DAY http://bit.ly/1Di92wf 2/21/15 #HacktheCity)

The City of Seattle and Commute Seattle invite data analysts, developers, designers, and other innovators to help design user-centric tools that improve the commute. These can take the form of:

improvements to existing applications
new tools to help commuters in any mode or modes of transportation
data analysis and visualizations that clarify the big picture
Teams will have the opportunity to present their work to a panel of judges, with the top three project ideas moving on to a championship round. Work will be judged based on its potential to make commuting in Seattle easier and more pleasant for everyone.

Not a techie? Submit your app ideas to our Reddit thread at http://www.reddit.com/r/hackthecommute, and see below to learn more about how you can help.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Hackathon
Friday, March 20–Sunday, March 22, 2015
Full schedule to be announced shortly
Moz, 1110 Second Avenue, Suite 500
Registration link coming soon

Championship Round
Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 6:00 pm
City Hall, 600 4th Avenue

FAQ

What is a civic hackathon?
A civic hackathon is an event where members of the community are invited to use their data analysis, design, and software development skills to “hack” together tech-based solutions to civic problems. Civic hackers work with data sets that have been made open to the public for this specific purpose.
What is the goal of this event?
We want to build tools that help Seattle commuters adapt to the City’s fast growth and constant construction. This can take the form of new apps, modifications to existing apps, data visualizations, design hacks, and anything else our volunteers imagine.
What can teams build?
This event is not focused on any single mode of transportation. Tools that improve the experience of a single mode (biking, walking, driving, bus, Light Rail) are welcome, as are tools that help commuters optimize their choice of mode and materials that help people understand the broader picture of regional growth.
How will work be judged?
We will select three teams from the March hackathon to advance to a championship round in April. They will be judged based on the impact their tool will have on the commute.
What will teams win?
Besides 15 minutes of fame and the gratitude of fellow citizens? That’s TBD, but we trust this community to come up with some excellent rewards.
Can I participate remotely?
No, this is an in-person hackathon only. However, if you can’t join us but have ideas or resources to share, we invite you to contribute on our sub-Reddit.
Do I have to have a team to participate?
No. In fact, we encourage people to show up as individuals and form teams on-site. Part of the value of this event – and the fun – is connecting with people from different communities and perspectives. Some participants, such as designers and writers, may find themselves floating between teams. That’s okay with us.
Where can I register?
We’re working on that! Stay tuned.
HOW YOU CAN HELP

Currently, we are looking for:
• Data in the form of live feeds and API’s as well as static data sets that can show trends in usage within and across modes. Aggregated data is acceptable–we want to respect the privacy of commuters while still using what we know to improve their commuting experience. Data sets will be linked to and/or stored on our community data platform at communities.socrata.com/catalogs/hack-the-commute/.
• Mentors, including subject matter experts as well as those who can help teams bring their ideas from concept to completion in a single weekend.
• Sponsors to cover the cost of food and drink during the event and offer prizes to the winning teams.
• Promotional partners to help spread the word within the transportation and tech communities.

– See more at: http://hackthecommute.seattle.gov/#sthash.3m59oSDx.dpuf