The document discusses 20 ways that open data can be connected to and foster local democracy. It begins by defining open data and its key characteristics of being accessible, machine-readable, and reusable. It then outlines three conceptual shifts needed to connect open data and local democracy: viewing datasets as infrastructures, apps as activities, and answers as opportunities for inquiry. The rest of the document provides examples of specific ways open data can be used at the local level to enhance civic participation and decision making.