It's a slow process, for sure. It's difficult to even explain the utility of an API to the non tech-savvy until you show them an app that uses the data.
I live in NYC and they're doing a great job- but change isn't immediate. I'm really interested in the area of governmental data- I feel like there's a need/use for an open wiki style directory of info, but http://opengovernmentdata.org/ is already a good resource.
I agree that it's a slow process, but it's happening. At the city level, it's good to have someone within the Mayor's office or City Council that really cares about it. It's starting to happen here in Philly with http://www.opendataphilly.org
The worst part of that isn't that they don't know how to set up their own technology - it's that they get sold on whatever snake oil salesman takes them out to the most dinners, and overpromises the most while keeping it plausible.
I live in NYC and they're doing a great job- but change isn't immediate. I'm really interested in the area of governmental data- I feel like there's a need/use for an open wiki style directory of info, but http://opengovernmentdata.org/ is already a good resource.