PHX Reporter

Phoenix has been awarded the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification at the Platinum Level – the highest recognition available – for establishing exceptional data capabilities to inform policy decision-making, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate program effectiveness, and engage residents.

  

"I'm ecstatic that Phoenix has achieved Platinum What Works Cities Certification, a testament to our data-driven approach to make life better for our residents," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "Whether it's in designing innovative chilled water fountains or managing traffic flow in our busiest intersections, we are committed to continuous improvement for more effective, equitable service delivery."

  

Phoenix is one of 74 cities that have achieved the What Works Cities Certification distinction and more than 160 cities have submitted applications since the launch of the program in 2017. Prior to advancing to the Platinum Level, Phoenix was certified at both the Silver and Gold Levels. 

  

“Focusing on a strong data-based approach is something I take great pride in as City Manager. Publicly showcasing data and key performance indicators allows us to be transparent with our residents, and it is the strategic use of data that helps us determine what is working well and where changes are needed – to help us better our city." Says Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “The What Works Cities team has been a great partner over the years, and this achievement reflects Phoenix's unwavering dedication to evidence-based, effective governance and continuous improvement." 

  

The What Works Cities Certification Standard measures a city's use of data based on 43 criteria. A city that achieves 68-84 percent is recognized as Gold and 85 percent or more is recognized to reach Platinum. Phoenix joins 12 newly Certified cities, six other currently Certified cities that have achieved a higher Certification level, and four cities being re-certified.  

  

“We are excited to welcome the newly certified cities and congratulate those cities which have achieved a higher level or re-certified—they have all demonstrated a collective focus on how data can be used to build stronger communities," said Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of What Works Cities Certification. “These cities understand that local government data use is a pre-condition to solving problems, assessing what is working, and improving how their city halls do business – and they are investing their resources accordingly."

  

A notable example of Phoenix's use of data includes instituting data governance across departments through its City Manager's Performance Dashboard and continuous community engagement to inform key policies, including the City's climate action plan, contributing to the average Phoenix resident using approximately 34 percent less water today than the average resident in 1990. 

  

“The Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification program represents a fast-growing community of policymakers raising the bar on what is possible for local government when it leverages data to address major challenges and opportunities facing the city," said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “More than 160 cities across the Americas are seeking the What Works Cities Certification seal of approval because city halls – like any other effective modern organization – must be leveraging data to make better decisions. The program provides local governments with that North Star – and we are glad to see its reach continue to grow." 

  

The What Works Cities Certification program, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by Results for America, is the international standard of data excellence in city governance.  

Original source can be found here.