Gaining real perspective on local issues requires digging for that gritty, raw data. When gathering information to cover local beats or issues, access to government data helps -- but it's not always easy.

Code for America is helping to expand open data access at all levels of government, focusing on where technology can be used to make a positive impact. This group supports citizens and businesses with events, programs, mentorship, and funding. CFA also hosts a fellowship program, which will reopen next year.

Video: Code for America's Sept. 2014 CFA summit

Currently, Code for America is examining open data access for small and mid-sized cities. Most large U.S. cities (with populations over 500,000) have adopted some form of open data. However, cities with smaller populations generally have yet to even adopt an an open data policy.

Discussions of open data in government often lead to questions about rights and transparency. This Civic Commons resource covers the history, best practices and legal questions sheds light on gaps and gray areas.

Get more involved with open data for your city and state: Contact your local Code for America brigade -- or start one (or at least support the founding of one).