Did you ever wonder why the MetroGIS Regional Parcel Dataset is now completely free and open without license or fees? Are you interested in learning more about the research, deliberation and benefits of free and open data policies? If so, the MetroGIS Data Producers Work Group and Policy Board have compiled “Free and Open Data Research,” a web page compiling documents, research and articles on free and open data. It includes a single-page fact sheet, a status map of open data policies throughout Minnesota, and presentations outlining the history and context of the issue. For more information on the site and the Free & Open Public Geospatial Data Initiative, please contact Geoff Maas, MetroGIS Coordinator, at 651.602.1638 or geoffrey.maas@metc.state.mn.us.