(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)

Kwan Mitchell is a lead information technology specialist for the city of Phoenix.

Over the past several years, open data has become a popular phrase across all levels of government.

In 2009, the website data.gov was launched to serve as a repository for federal agencies to post information.

In 2013, President Obama issued an executive order to make government data more open, accessible and usable for citizens, researchers and businesses.

Since then many states, counties and cities have launched their own sites.

Earlier this year, Tempe announced its open data portal. At the time, its most popular pages included information about potholes and police calls.

Next year, Mesa plans to add analysis to its site so residents, business owners and developers can better understand what’s going on behind the numbers.

And, in Phoenix, they’re relaunching their open data site with a more modern, cleaner look.

Kwan Mitchell Sr is Phoenix’s data services manager.