Rather than using Belleville’s existing open data sets, Greg Baugues, an entrepreneur and software developer with Chicago-based Web development and digital consulting firm Table XI, unlocked new data from the city’s ordinances – including those for business and building zoning regulations – to create a comprehensive resource tool. In addition to making it easier for businesses and residents to access the information, he added a comment function to allow for two-way communications to help increase understanding of the laws. “I chose to create a tool for Belleville because there isn’t much open data available there yet,” said Baugues. “BellevilleLaw.com will be especially useful for new and existing businesses looking to locate in Belleville. This is a tool that has the potential to boost business development and housing construction, while also relieving stress on the City Clerk’s office.”

1. Be it known that the judges and sponsors of the
Illinois Open Technology Challenge
on this date
June 24, 2013
have awarded the efforts of
Greg Baugues, Belleville Code
for creating a tool that allows the community of Belleville the opportunity to learn and discuss
the laws that govern their land.
We therefore confer the monetary prize of $15,000 to further the exploration and
development of this tool and to further the mission of the Illinois Open Technology Challenge
to bring governments, developers and communities together in a common mission to use data
to make lives better in Illinois.