In 1999, Mark Gorton, founder of Tower Research Capital and The Lime Group, created The Open Planning Project (TOPP). Through an array of technology and civic participation initiatives, TOPP acts as a catalyst for social transformation.

TOPP practices strategic intervention. We equip government, civic groups, and the public with flexible software that maximizes openness and effectiveness. We also create tools and partnerships with high, focused impact. Focused success sets the stage for change on a larger scale. Our array of technology and civic participation initiatives is building a more open and collaborative society.

Our first software project, GeoServer, has increased global access to useful public records by making it easy for public agencies and others to use and share their data. Begun in 2001, GeoServer is now a hugely successful open source project with a community of developers and users that spans the globe. This project has grown into our OpenGeo division, a team that builds open geospatial software for clients and projects around the world.

In 2005, TOPP joined forces with two other organizations — Transportation Alternatives and The Project for Public Spaces — drawing on the unique strengths of each in order break the deadlock around New York City's transportation policy. This effort, The New York City Streets Renaissance, has transformed the city's streets, creating healthier, more sustainable, people-oriented neighborhoods. This work is reversing decades of cars-first planning and returning the city's public spaces to the public.

Today, the Livable Streets campaign is extending the success of The New York City Streets Renaissance to places around the world.The campaign's online platform, the Livable Streets Network, is an incredible political mobilizer: advocates use it to spread news, coordinate efforts, build support for local projects.

2006 saw the start of OpenPlans and Melkjug, two innovative software tools for civic action. OpenPlans is a toolbox for grassroots campaign websites. Today, this software powers the Livable Streets Network, other social change efforts, and scientific research groups. Melkjug is a tool for finding, filtering, and sharing newsfeeds: it helps users stay current and save time. Our software products are released under open source licenses and are designed for reuse in a variety of civic efforts.

This year, our portfolio of social innovation continues to grow.

  • TOPP unveiled GothamSchools, an education blog working to engage New Yorkers in improving their public schools.
  • The education wing of Livable Streets is bringing sustainability and public space advocacy into schools, equipping students with the tools they need to engage successfully in their communities.
  • The OpenGeo division recently introduced the OpenGeo platform, a single, flexible software package that leverages the best open source geospatial tools.

 

mark.jpgAbout Mark Gorton 

Mark Gorton has spent the past decade building The Lime Group, a series of innovative financial and technology companies. Tower Research Capital, the Lime Group flagship, is a hedge fund specializing in quantitative trading and investment strategies. Mark’s financial and technical talents, and his success in growing and managing software teams, have beaten markets time and again.

Mark founded The Open Planning Project in 1999 after realizing the incredible potential of the open source movement to create tools that catalyze civic engagement. Mark is TOPP’s primary funder, and in his role as President he draws on a strong background in urban transportation advocacy and open media.

Mark holds degrees from Yale, Stanford, and Harvard Business School.