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| 20 Feb 2025 | |
| Written by Molly Irwin | |
| Blogs |
Every morning, millions of Americans check the weather before heading to work. Farmers consult soil data before planting crops. Parents research school performance metrics while house-hunting. Doctors rely on up-to-date research to make the best recommendations for their patients. Small business owners consider demographic data to choose their next location. What connects these different activities? They're all powered by government data — though most users never realize it.
The Data Foundation is launching #MyDataStory, an initiative to uncover and share the countless ways public data strengthens American communities and enables better decisions for all.
In the 21st century, it’s data that’s driving America forward. The impact of data created, supported, and shared by the government touches every sector of our economy and every corner of our communities. Consider these real-world examples:
Government data saves countless lives. During the January 2025 wildfires that decimated neighborhoods of Los Angeles, officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided the observation data needed for communities to issue early evacuation warnings. Every year, NOAA’s national weather forecasts allow emergency managers across the country to prepare for extreme events, like hurricanes and extreme heat.
Government data is an engine for the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ closely watched monthly jobs report is a vital source of information for investors, employers, and job seekers across every sector of American Industry. When the release of the report was accidentally delayed by a mere 20 minutes in August 2024, the agency became “inundated” with frantic calls from financial institutions that depend heavily on the agency’s data. The economy’s reliance on public data is only increasing — the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that from 2012 to 2022 the total revenue of the industries most reliant on government data nearly doubled, growing from $393.6 billion to $750.7 billion in 2022.
These aren't just statistics — they're stories of real people using public data to solve problems, grow businesses, and serve their communities.
As our society becomes increasingly data-driven, understanding how public data serves Americans has never been more crucial. Policy decisions made today about long-standing data resources, how that data is collected, and who is able to use it will impact communities for years to come. By sharing your personal story about how public data has impacted your life, you will help demonstrate the real-world value of these vital public resources. With enough voices calling for support, we hope to ensure they continue to serve future generations.
The Data Foundation is launching #MyDataStory to collect and amplify these authentic experiences. Through 30-second video testimonials, we're creating a living archive of how government data enables daily decisions and powers innovation across America.
Your experience matters, and we want to hear from you. Sharing your story is simple. In a brief 30-second video or written testimony, tell us:
Don't worry if you're not sure which agency provides the data you use. Focus on how the data helps you make decisions for yourself, your family, your community or your business.. Whether it's weather forecasts, economic indicators, public health statistics, or neighborhood crime data, your experience helps show the human impact of these critical resources.
Your story joins a growing collection of testimonials that will help:
Ready to share your #MyDataStory? Visit www.mydatastory.org to record your testimonial. Share on social media using #MyDataStory, and follow the Data Foundation for updates as we collect and share these important stories.
Together, we can ensure that government data continues to serve as essential infrastructure for American success — one story at a time.
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About the Data Foundation
The Data Foundation is a Washington, DC-based, non-profit, non-partisan organization. It is a trusted authority on the use of open, accessible data to fuel a more efficient, effective, and accountable government; spark innovation; and provide insights to the country’s most pressing challenges. It conducts research, facilitates collaborative thought leadership, and promotes advocacy programs that advance practical policies for the creation and use of accessible, trustworthy data and evidence. The Data Foundation is recognized by Candid Guidestar with the Platinum Seal of Transparency and by Charity Navigator as a 4-Star non-profit. To learn more, visit www.datafoundation.org. (LEI: 254900I43CTC59RFW495)
Molly Irwin is a former Chief Evaluation Officer at the Department of Labor and Data Foundation board member
