Show All Answers

1. What is OpenGov?

OpenGov is a technology company based in Silicon Valley focused on building the most powerful financial intelligence and transparency platform ever created for governments. We are transforming how state and local governments analyze, share and compare their financial data.

2. How do I select the data I want to see?

To focus on specific data—like a fund, department, expense type, or any combination use the menu on the left side panel. The “By” drop-down allows you to specify which breakdown you want the grpahs and table rows to represent on the graph. You can analyze the expense and revenues data by fund, department or type.

3. Can I select more than fund or departments?

Yes. Use the Data Filter on the left side panel to make specific selections within the data. The Data Filter shows you the hierarchical relationships of Funds, Departments, and Account Types. You’ll notice the title of the graph you are viewing on top along with the account type selector. You can use the filter to see the data of most interest to you.

4. How do I see the actual numbers within a graph?

Hover over any are of the graph to see the actual or budgeted amounts for that period. Or, just scroll down to see a table with detailed information.

5. Can I see the data in a different graph?

In the upper right hand corner, you will see options for the different graphs and table. There are five graph types overall:

1. A percentage graph  to see percentage changes over time
2. A stacked graph  to visualize overall trends over time
3. A line graph overlaying each trend over time
4. A pie graph to view percentage breakdown
5. A bar graph comparing trends and percentage breakdowns over time

6. Why are there sometime spikes in one year?

In reviewing multiple years of data, you may see “spikes” in the individual years; this can be due to planned one-time costs, a capital projects, unexpected expenses, or a specific event that required additional funds. You can drill down in our OpenGov platform to learn more about how exactly those expenses or revenues are categorized.

7. Can I save the data I am looking at?

Yes, there are Share and Download buttons in the upper right corner. You can share any view on social media or by email. There are also options to download the displayed data in .png image  and .csv spreadsheet formats.

8. How do I learn more about government accounting?

Use the Help Menu on the top right corner to navigate the “Budget 1010” primer to learn more about multi-fund accounting.

9. I have a question. How do I contact the City of Lake Forest?

Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the “Contact" option to send your message to the City of Lake Forest.