Request Municipal Dataset Publication in Fort Worth

In Fort Worth, Texas the city maintains an Open Data program to publish municipal datasets that increase transparency and public access. This guide explains how to request a new dataset publication, who handles requests, what information to prepare, and official submission and appeal paths. Use the city portal and department contacts below to start a formal request, track progress, and resolve disputes.

What a dataset publication request is

A dataset publication request asks the City to publish a specific collection of city-managed records or data tables as a downloadable, machine-readable dataset with documentation and metadata. Typical requests include GIS layers, permitting logs, inspection results, or transportation counts. Check the live catalog before submitting to avoid duplicates: data.fortworthtexas.gov^[1].

Who reviews and publishes datasets

The City of Fort Worth Information Technology department and the Open Data team coordinate publication, working with the data-owning department for accuracy and privacy review. For program details and contact instructions see the City Open Data page on the official municipal site: fortworthtexas.gov/departments/it/open-data^[2].

Required information and best practices

• Provide a concise dataset title and summary describing the records, fields, update frequency, and any filters or scopes.
• List sample records or a schema (field names, types) and note any personally identifiable information (PII) or sensitive elements.
• State desired update cadence (daily, weekly, monthly) and any deadlines for publication.
• Identify the city contact or business unit that owns the data for coordination and verification.

Submission process

Submit requests using the Open Data portal or the contact method listed on the City IT Open Data page. The typical workflow is intake, privacy review, data preparation and metadata creation, QA, and publication. If the portal provides a suggestion or ticket form, attach sample files or export scripts where possible.

Penalties & Enforcement

Publication requests and refusals are administrative actions; the City’s Open Data pages and portal do not specify civil fines or criminal penalties for dataset publication decisions. Where disciplinary or enforcement actions against employees or contractors might apply, those are governed by separate personnel rules or procurement contracts and are not described on the Open Data pages. The official Open Data and City records pages do not list fines or statutory penalties for dataset publication decisions, or escalation fines "per day" related to publication timelines; this is not specified on the cited pages.

Enforcer, inspection and complaint pathways

• The Technology & Information Services department and the Open Data team handle publication; initial contact via the IT Open Data page.^[2]
• Records or disputes about data release and exemptions may be raised with the City Secretary for public records guidance and appeals.^[3]
• If an administrative denial requires review, the City’s administrative appeal routes or public records procedures apply; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited Open Data pages.

Applications & Forms

The City does not publish a universal numbered paper form for dataset publication requests on the Open Data landing page; submission is handled via the Open Data portal contact/suggestion mechanism or by emailing the IT/Open Data contact listed on the official page. If a department-specific data release form exists, it will be listed on that department’s page; none is prominently published on the Open Data landing page as of the cited resource.

Action steps

• Search the Open Data catalog to confirm the dataset is not already available.^[1]
• Prepare a schema sample, description, and intended use case.
• Submit the request via the portal or the IT Open Data contact and attach sample data.^[2]
• If denied, ask for written reasons and follow the City Secretary or the department appeal process; specific deadlines for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.

FAQ

How long does publication take?

Times vary by dataset complexity and privacy review; the Open Data pages do not give a fixed timeline.

Is there a fee to publish a dataset?

No fee schedule for dataset publication is published on the city Open Data page.

What if the dataset contains personal information?

The owning department and Open Data team review for PII and redaction; privacy rules apply before release.

How-To

1. Search the Fort Worth Open Data catalog to confirm no existing dataset.^[1]
2. Prepare a sample file or schema and a short description explaining public benefit and update cadence.
3. Visit the City IT Open Data contact page and submit your request or use the portal suggestion feature.^[2]
4. Coordinate with the data-owning department for validation and privacy review; respond promptly to follow-up questions.
5. If you receive a denial and need further review, contact the City Secretary or follow the department appeal steps; consult the City Secretary page for records guidance.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Use the Open Data catalog first to avoid duplicate requests.
• Provide schema samples and a clear use case to speed publication.
• Contact IT Open Data and the owning department for coordination.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Fort Worth - IT Open Data
• Fort Worth Open Data Portal
• City Secretary - Records & Public Information
• Code Compliance (city departments directory)

1. [1] City of Fort Worth Open Data Portal
2. [2] City of Fort Worth - IT Open Data
3. [3] City Secretary - Records & Public Information