As an open-source organization, the Open Mobility Foundation welcomes various types of participation and contribution. Not sure where to start? This is your guide to getting involved.
GETTING STARTED
If you’re new to the OMF, a great place to start is by following along with our organizational updates and taking advantage of the guides, events, and other resources we provide. Stay up-to-date by signing up for our monthly newsletter and following us on Twitter or LinkedIn, where we share new resources from the blog, Github, plus announce upcoming public events. No matter your background or level of experience, we hope you’ll find these sources helpful and informative.
WORKING GROUPS & PUBLIC MEETINGS
If you’re ready to get involved more deeply, consider joining a working group or public committee meeting. Interested individuals can become contributors, who participate in activities like standards development or working in committees that focus on issues related to the OMF’s mission. All of OMF’s working groups are open to both members and individual contributors, and this is where most of the technical discussion and work happens.
Mobility Data Specification (MDS) Working Group
The Mobility Data Specification is a digital tool that helps cities to better manage transportation in the public right of way. MDS standardizes communication and data-sharing between cities and private mobility providers, such as e-scooter and bike share companies. The working group leads the development of this tool and is currently discussing the architecture of adding new modes, working to build the specification for use with personal delivery devices (delivery robots), free-floating car share, taxis, and more. To participate:
- Review the MDS Working Group wiki to familiarize yourself with the group’s work
- Get announcements and review meeting agendas from the MDS mailing list
- Join bi-weekly meetings (Thursdays, 12pm ET) to discuss issues and hear from other contributors
- Follow progress and chime in on our MDS repository
Curb Data Specification (CDS) Working Group
The Curb Data Specification is a digital tool that helps cities and companies pilot and scale dynamic curb zones. CDS provides a mechanism for expressing static and dynamic regulations, measuring activity at the curb, and developing policies that create more accessible, useful curbs. This new tool was released in early 2022 and the working group continues to support adoption and further development of this curb management spec. To participate:
- Review the Curb Management Working Group wiki and read the full scope of work
- Get announcements and review meeting agendas from the Curb Management mailing list
- Join bi-weekly meetings (Tuesdays, 12pm ET) to discuss issues and hear from other contributors
- Follow progress and chime in on our CDS repository
Privacy Committee
The Privacy, Security, and Transparency Committee advises the OMF on principles and practices that ensure the secure handling of mobility data. While the voting members of the committee are OMF members, the group also holds regular public meetings to discuss issues, engage subject matter experts, and develop tools and resources openly and collaboratively. To participate:
- Get announcements from the Privacy Committee mailing list
- Join monthly public meetings to participate in discussions
MEMBERSHIP
The OMF is a partnership between municipalities and companies united in finding solutions to shared transportation challenges. The OMF is led by our municipal members via the Board of Directors, but all members (including public and private sector members) may participate at the committee and project level. Here are some of the ways OMF members participate in the governance of our organization:
Working Group Steering Committees
Each working group is led by a steering committee of representatives from public and private sector OMF members. These groups shape our work in the day-to-day by facilitating discussions, driving consensus, and evaluating release candidates to send to OMF’s Technology Council and Board of Directors.
Committees & Councils
The OMF has several committees and councils (outlined below) that focus on issues related to the OMF’s mission and operations. In these groups, voting members lead the development of projects, facilitate discussion and peer learning, and help make recommendations and decisions about the OMF’s work.
Member Networks
Additionally, the OMF has a series of topic forums for members to convene and discuss work, policies, use cases, and needs in a particular area of interest that might not yet be covered by a formal working group or committee. This is where members can share ideas and encourage open collaboration on projects related to delivery robots, car share programs, and passenger services.
Map of the Open Mobility Foundation’s governance structure
As an open source foundation, OMF is able to offer a safe, efficient environment for stakeholders including municipalities, companies, technical, privacy, and policy experts, and the public to shape urban mobility management tools that help public agencies accomplish their mobility policy goals. In fact, participation is key. If you have any questions about how to get involved, feel free to contact us. See you at the next meeting!
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