Government Innovation
Strengthening City Data to Improve Lives
At Bloomberg Philanthropies, we believe that using data to inform decision-making is essential to running a city. Unfortunately, in cities across the United States, mayors lack the tools to use data and evidence to improve how governing gets done. By providing robust technical support, access to expertise, and peer-to-peer learning to local leaders, we’re helping cities to better use data and evidence to engage the public, improve services, evaluate progress, and make sound investment decisions.
City Data Alliance
The Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance is a program that will identify 100 cities from across North and South America that are the most sophisticated at using data to make policy decisions and propel them to an even higher standard with executive education, direct-to-city coaching, and a focused investment to improve a critical data capacity. Through a $60-million investment, the City Data Alliance will empower these cities to uncover the next frontier of data-informed governance as they develop new ways to reduce budgetary waste, invest in what works, advance equity, and train citywide workforce in best practices.
What Works Cities Certification
Launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2015, the What Works Cities Certification program is one of the largest-ever philanthropic efforts to enhance cities’ use of data. What Works Cities Certification recognizes and celebrates local governments for their exceptional use of data to inform policy and funding decisions, improve services, create operational efficiencies, and engage residents. The Certification program assesses cities on their data-driven decision-making practices, such as whether they are using data to set goals and track progress, allocate funding, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and achieve desired outcomes. These data-informed strategies enable Certified Cities to be more resilient, respond in crisis situations, increase economic mobility, protect public health, and increase resident satisfaction.
For Local Government Innovators
Visit the Bloomberg Cities Network, created in partnership with Johns Hopkins for city leaders and innovators full of resources, learning opportunities, and connections to peers around the world. Join the network to receive exclusive resources, including access to world-class training and events, peer networking opportunities, powerful city solutions, and more.
Top photo: Martha Galvez from the Urban Institute and Jonathan Mintz from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund speak at a What Works Cities convening hosted at Bloomberg Philanthropies.