In Chicago, the CivicWorks Project recently released three new projects utilizing local civic data -- furthering their goal to use content and apps to solve community and government problems.

Chicago LocalWiki is a wing of a community wiki movement already growing in other cities such as Asheville, N.C. and Berkeley, Calif. The CivicWorks Project helped launch the content portion of this wiki, partnering with local writer Mairead Case and the Chicago Public Library -- which will host write-a-thons to fill in the blanks of the wiki. In wiki spirit, this page is now open for submissions and edits.

Roll With Me provides wheelchair-accessible directions within city limits. Users enter the start and end points of their trip, and planned departure time. They then receive wheelchair-friendly bus routes and other supportive info. The responsive design of this web app makes it mobile friendly. The open source code (first developed by Chicago-based programmer Mohammad Ouyoun) can easily be applied to other cities.

Finally, mRelief is a one-stop service where Chicago residents can check their eligibility for government benefits. They can do this quickly, at any time and place, either through the mRelief mobile-friendly web app or via text message. This service was developed by a local group of web developers with public policy expertise, and who are involved with civic data groups around Chicago. While the CivicWorks Project helped initiate funding for mRelief, this project is raising additional funds until Dec. 4 for further development. Donate now to mRelief.

Chicago CivicWorks is run by the Smart Chicago Collaborative, and is funded by the Knight Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust.