What Works Cities: A Practical Guide for Local Governments

Tricia Jessee

Associate Director of CS & Pizza Aficionado

Tricia manages our implementation and onboarding team to ensure the success of ClearPoint customers.

Learn about What Works Cities certification and its benefits for data-driven governance, helping cities improve services and engage residents effectively.

Table of Contents

Want to run your city like a well-oiled machine? The What Works Cities initiative helps city leaders do just that. Lauren Su, Associate Director of Certification & Community, plays a key role in the What Works Cities Certification program. She oversees the assessment process, ensuring cities use data to drive decisions and improve services. This post explores the What Works Cities Certification program, its criteria, and the benefits for participating cities. We'll also look at how ClearPoint Strategy can help your city become truly data-driven.

This program evaluates how well cities are managed by measuring the extent to which leaders incorporate data and evidence in decision-making. It helps all cities benchmark their current state of practice and develop a roadmap to use data and evidence to drive effective change and deliver results for residents.

Investing in city’s foundational data practices can lead to better results for residents. Additionally, there is tremendous value in building a data foundation and data capacity to support city efforts and the goals your city has set!

What is the What Works Cities Initiative?

What Works Cities (WWC) was launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in April 2015 to help local governments use data and evidence effectively to tackle their most pressing challenges and improve residents’ lives.

They do this work in three primary buckets:

  1. Set the national standard of excellence for what it means to use data and evidence to tackle these pressing challenges.
  2. Connect cities to world-class experts to build or advance data-informed government.
  3. Build a network of city practitioners and experts that serves as a learning community focused on sharing innovations, troubleshooting common challenges, replicating successful practices, and much more.

The initiative is also a consortium of five expert-partners that each support local governments in different ways. In their first three years, these partners have worked with over 100 mid-sized cities that touch over 31 million residents in total. These partners are:

  1. The Behavioral Insights Team (BIT)
  2. The Government Performance Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School
  3. The Center for Government Excellence (GovEx) at Johns Hopkins University
  4. Results for America (RFA)
  5. The Sunlight Foundation

Key Takeaways

  • What Works Cities Certification validates data-driven governance: This certification demonstrates a city's commitment to using data effectively for better services and resident engagement.
  • The What Works Cities program supports cities at all data maturity levels: Whether you're just starting with data or are well on your way, the program offers valuable resources and guidance.
  • Data-driven decisions are crucial for effective city management: As cities face increasing complexity, strategic data use is essential for success.

What Works Cities Certification: The Details

Let's get into the specifics of the What Works Cities Certification. Think of it as the gold standard for data-driven governance.

The 43 Criteria

Cities earn certification based on their performance against 43 criteria. These criteria cover everything from resident engagement to how cities use data to track progress and inform decisions. It's a comprehensive assessment of the people, processes, and policies involved in effectively using data. More details on the criteria can be found on the Results for America website.

Eligibility for Certification

Any city in the US, Canada, or Latin America with 30,000 or more residents can apply for the What Works Cities Certification. So, whether your city is a bustling metropolis or a growing urban center, this program can support your data journey. Check out the What Works Cities website for more information on eligibility.

Supporting Cities at All Levels

One of the best things about this program? It meets cities where they are. The program supports cities at all levels of data maturity—not just those with established analytics teams. Whether you're just starting with data or are a seasoned pro, the What Works Cities program offers valuable guidance and support. For cities at the beginning of their data journey, a platform like ClearPoint Strategy can help build a strong foundation for strategic planning and execution.

Number of Certified Cities

As of January 2024, an impressive 74 cities have earned this certification. These cities represent a diverse range of communities, showcasing how data-driven governance can be applied in various contexts. They're inspiring examples for other cities looking to improve their use of data.

Focus on Fairness and Equity

The What Works Cities program recognizes that data should benefit all residents. The program recently updated its standards to prioritize fairness and equity in how cities collect, analyze, and use data. This focus helps ensure data-driven decisions lead to positive outcomes for everyone.

A First-of-its-Kind Standard

The What Works Cities Certification is the first national standard of its kind for data-driven local government. It establishes a benchmark for excellence and provides a roadmap for cities looking to improve their use of data and evidence. It's a significant step forward for local governance. Learn more about this groundbreaking certification program.

Program Background and Partners

Now, let's look at the key players behind this impactful initiative.

Origins of What Works Cities

What Works Cities (WWC) was launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in April 2015 to help local governments use data and evidence to address challenges and improve residents' lives. It's a bold vision with tangible results.

Results for America's Leadership

Results for America is a key player in the What Works Cities initiative, offering ongoing support to cities as they refine their data practices. They provide guidance, resources, and a network of peers to help cities continuously improve their operations.

Key Partners in the Initiative

The What Works Cities initiative is a collaborative effort, bringing together five expert partners: The Behavioral Insights Team (BIT), The Government Performance Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School, The Center for Government Excellence (GovEx) at Johns Hopkins University, Results for America (RFA), and The Sunlight Foundation. Each partner contributes unique expertise, supporting local governments in a variety of ways. This collaborative approach ensures a well-rounded approach to data-driven governance.

Bloomberg Philanthropies' Role

As the founder of the What Works Cities program, Bloomberg Philanthropies has shown a strong commitment to helping cities use data effectively. This initiative is one of the largest philanthropic investments in this area, highlighting the importance of data-driven decisions in local government.

Should Your City Pursue What Works Cities Certification?

What Works Cities Certification is the national standard of excellence for well-managed, data-driven local government. The program evaluates how well cities are managed by measuring the extent to which leaders incorporate data and evidence in decision-making. It also gives participating cities the opportunity to benchmark their current state of practice and develop a roadmap to use data and evidence to drive effective change and deliver results for residents.

Data-Driven Governance: A What Works Cities Example

A common challenge cities face is the lack of results, even when you dedicate additional funds and resources to combat an issue. This was the case with the City of Seattle, where in 2015, the Mayor declared a state of emergency because the city’s homelessness population continued to rise, despite increases in financial resources directed toward the challenge.

To start, Seattle teamed up with WWC’s partner Government Performance Lab, who decided to take a closer look at how the contracted dollars with service providers were being spent and if they could identify opportunities for improvement.  They found that many of the city contracts were measuring success in outputs and that engagements were compliance-oriented instead of focused on outcomes.

To meet the overall goal of reducing homelessness, the City worked with WWC’s partners to transition from being compliance-oriented to outcome focused.

As of first quarter 2018, over 3,000 households transitioned to stable housing, an increase of more than 1,200 households relative to the first quarter of 2017, when the data-driven metrics and new contracts weren’t yet in place. Without the data practices in place in the city, Seattle would not have been in the position to use the data to address this strategic priority and use the data to help reduce the homelessness population in their city.

Benefits of a What Works Cities Assessment

What Works Cities can help guide you on your data and evidence journey. And the first step you can take is completing the What Works Cities assessment. In doing so, you can achieve and receive the following benefits:

  1. Visibility into your city’s current practices
  2. Customized next steps for improvement
  3. Virtual and in-person training opportunities
  4. Targeted support opportunities
  5. Network of peers

To get started, complete the What Works Cities Assessment. Lauren’s presentation covers all the details and provides more background information about WWC and the certification process. And of course, reach out to our team if you have questions about how to track your performance in order to make data-driven decisions.

Improving City Services and Decisions

The What Works Cities Certification acts as a national standard of excellence for well-managed, data-driven local governments. It evaluates how effectively cities incorporate data and evidence into their decision-making. This focus helps cities deliver better results for residents by ensuring policies and programs are based on solid evidence, not just gut feelings. Imagine having a clear roadmap, guiding your city towards more effective and impactful decisions.

Support and Technical Assistance

A valuable aspect of the What Works Cities program is the support and technical assistance provided to certified cities. This assistance helps cities strengthen their data practices, ultimately leading to improvements in service delivery. It's like having a team of experienced advisors, helping you navigate the complexities of data-driven governance and unlock the full potential of your city's data.

Using Data for Resident Engagement

What Works Cities Certification recognizes cities that use data not just for internal operations, but also for resident engagement. By involving residents in data-driven decision-making, cities can foster greater transparency and trust, leading to more effective and equitable outcomes. This might involve sharing data publicly, getting resident feedback on data-driven initiatives, or even co-creating solutions with residents based on data insights. Think of it as building a partnership with your residents, using data as a common language to understand challenges and create solutions together. For cities looking to improve their strategic planning and execution, a platform like ClearPoint Strategy can be invaluable in centralizing data, tracking progress, and fostering collaboration.

The Growing Importance of Data-Driven City Management

With increasing urbanization and complex challenges, data-driven city management is more critical than ever. The What Works Cities program helps cities use data to make better decisions, improve services, and understand what truly works. This approach allows for more effective resource allocation, measuring program impact, and continuous performance improvement. It's like having a GPS for your city's strategy, guiding you towards your goals and helping you adapt to changing conditions. ClearPoint Strategy can serve as this central "brain," providing a platform for data-driven decision-making and strategic alignment.

The Challenges of Urbanization

As our world becomes increasingly urbanized, cities face mounting pressures to provide efficient and effective services to growing populations. Managing a city is like conducting a complex orchestra, with numerous interconnected systems needing to work in harmony. Connectivity, security, and sustainability are crucial for successful city management. These elements are intertwined and essential for creating thriving urban environments. Just as a conductor needs a clear score, city leaders need data to orchestrate the various components of their city effectively.

Global Urbanization Statistics

Over half the world's population currently lives in cities, and projections suggest this will reach 80% by 2050. This rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges for city leaders, who must find innovative ways to manage resources, provide services, and ensure residents' well-being. This increasing concentration of people requires a new level of sophistication in city management, demanding data-driven solutions to address complex issues.

Connectivity, Security, and Sustainability in City Management

Connectivity refers to the seamless flow of information and resources within a city. Security encompasses both physical safety and cybersecurity, protecting citizens and critical infrastructure. Sustainability focuses on responsible resource management and environmental protection, ensuring the city's long-term health and viability. These three pillars are essential for a functional, resilient, and livable city. They form the foundation upon which a thriving urban environment can be built.

The City as a Complex System

Think of a city as a complex organism with various interconnected parts. Cities need a central control system—a "brain"—to manage all these different parts effectively. This is where data-driven management comes in, providing the insights and tools needed to coordinate services, optimize resource allocation, and respond to changing conditions. A platform like ClearPoint Strategy can act as this central nervous system, connecting different departments and initiatives, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the entire city.

Where Are the What Works Cities Located?

The What Works Cities movement is gaining momentum across the nation. As of January 2024, 74 cities have earned certification, demonstrating their commitment to data-driven governance. These cities exemplify how data can improve services, engage residents, and create more effective and equitable communities. They are leading the way, demonstrating the power of data to transform city management and build a better future for urban areas. For cities embarking on this journey, ClearPoint Strategy offers the tools and support needed to effectively implement and track progress towards data-driven goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the What Works Cities Certification?

It's a nationally recognized standard for well-managed, data-driven local governments, evaluating how well cities incorporate data and evidence into their decision-making to improve services and resident outcomes. It's not just for cities already advanced in data analysis; it supports cities at all levels of data maturity.

How does the What Works Cities program support cities?

The program offers a comprehensive assessment process, customized recommendations for improvement, training opportunities (both virtual and in-person), targeted support, and access to a network of peers facing similar challenges. It provides resources and guidance to help cities strengthen their data practices and achieve better results for their residents.

What are the benefits of completing the What Works Cities assessment?

Completing the assessment provides a clear picture of your city's current data practices, identifies areas for improvement, and opens doors to valuable resources, training, and support. It helps cities understand their strengths and weaknesses in using data and provides a roadmap for becoming more data-driven.

Who are the partners involved in the What Works Cities initiative?

What Works Cities is a collaborative effort led by Bloomberg Philanthropies and supported by expert partners including The Behavioral Insights Team, The Government Performance Lab at Harvard Kennedy School, The Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University, Results for America, and The Sunlight Foundation.

How can my city get started with the What Works Cities program?

Your city can begin by completing the What Works Cities Assessment online. This initial step is crucial for understanding your city's current data capabilities and identifying the next steps towards achieving certification and becoming a more data-driven local government.