Dallas Open Data: Submit or Correct a Dataset

Technology and Data Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

Researchers working with public data in Dallas, Texas, can publish new datasets or request corrections through the City of Dallas open-data process. This guide explains who may submit, what metadata and licensing to include, how the City reviews and publishes datasets, and where to report errors. Use the official City of Dallas Open Data Portal to upload or request changes and follow municipal rules where applicable. The procedures below emphasize practical steps, compliance checks, and appeals so you can share reproducible, responsible data while protecting privacy and following city requirements.[1]

Who can submit

Individuals affiliated with a Dallas institution, external researchers working with City data, and City departments may propose dataset publications or corrections. Submissions should identify a responsible contact, a clear data license, and any applicable sensitive fields that need redaction.

What to include

  • Title and short description of the dataset.
  • Complete metadata: source, date range, collection method, and data dictionary.
  • License or intended reuse terms (explicit open license preferred).
  • Privacy and security notes: any personally identifiable information must be removed or masked.
Verify metadata and license before submission to avoid delays.

Process

Typical publication or correction follows these steps: prepare files and metadata, confirm licensing and privacy compliance, submit via the City of Dallas Open Data Portal or via the City contact for datasets, and respond to any review requests from the Open Data team. Turnaround times are not specified on the cited pages; contact the program for expected review windows.[1]

  1. Prepare dataset files in open formats (CSV, GeoJSON, etc.).
  2. Create descriptive metadata and a data dictionary.
  3. Confirm licensing and remove any restricted personal data.
  4. Submit through the official portal or designated City upload process.
  5. Respond to reviewer questions and approve publication when requested.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces data publication and public-records compliance through its Open Data program and the City Secretary or other designated offices. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties for improper publication, failure to redact private data, or violations tied to dataset publication are not specified on the cited pages; consult the Dallas municipal code or the City Secretary for ordinance-based penalties and procedures.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or redact data, administrative review, and referral to legal counsel or court actions may apply.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: City Open Data Program, City Secretary, or the relevant department; use official contact pages to file a complaint or ask for review.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; request appeal instructions from the enforcing office when notified.

Applications & Forms

The City does not publish a universally required form for dataset publication on the cited portal pages; many submissions are handled through the Open Data Portal interface or by contacting the Open Data program. If a department-specific application is required, that form should appear on the department's official page or be supplied by the Open Data team.

If no dedicated form is published, submit through the portal or contact the Open Data team directly.

How-To

  1. Gather raw data and remove or mask personal identifiers.
  2. Create clear metadata and choose an open license.
  3. Convert files to open formats (CSV, GeoJSON) and validate schema.
  4. Log in to the City of Dallas Open Data Portal and upload or request a dataset publication.[1]
  5. Monitor reviewer feedback and provide clarifications or revisions.
  6. If a correction is refused, request written reasons and file an appeal with the enforcing office.

FAQ

Who can request a dataset correction?
Any researcher, City department, or member of the public with a demonstrable interest or clear evidence of error may request a correction. Contact the Open Data Program for submission instructions.
Are there fees to publish or correct a dataset?
The cited portal pages do not specify fees for dataset publication or correction; contact the Open Data Program or the hosting department to confirm.[2]
How long does publication take?
Turnaround times are not specified on the cited pages; expect review and possible revision requests and confirm estimated timelines with the Open Data team during submission.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepare metadata and an open license before submission.
  • Remove personal data to comply with privacy rules.
  • Use official City channels for uploads and appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Dallas Open Data Portal
  2. [2] Dallas Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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