The What Works Cities Certification recognizes cities across the country using data to inform local governance.
Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced that seven cities will receive What Works Cities Certifications for their use of data to identify residents’ needs and develop solutions.
The cities—Arlington, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Philadelphia; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Washington, D.C.—all incorporated data into their decision-making processes, reports Chris Teale:
Cities are evaluated on factors like whether they have dedicated staff that help them use data; if key data are publicly available and whether there is transparency around the goals set and the progress toward achieving them. Cities must also show that they have policies in place to ensure data is managed safely and kept secure.
Scottsdale, for example, is using data analytics to guide water conservation, and Philadelphia is using data to better assess and award city contracts. Kansas City, Louisville, and Washington, D.C., received silver certifications last year and have moved this year to the gold level for their continued progress using data.
FULL STORY: 7 cities honored with What Works Cities certification for data usage
A Big New Crop of Cities Achieves 'What Works Cities' Certification
The Bloomberg Philanthropies certification program has added 16 cities to its growing list of cities committing to the use of data for improving municipal programs and services.
Renewables Accelerator to Help Cities With Transition to Clean Energy
Cities across the country have ambitious goals to move to renewable energy, but support at the federal level is lacking. A new program will assist cities with procurement and regulation of renewables.
Los Angeles Leads Nine Cities Earning 'What Works Cities' Certification
Bloomberg Philanthropies recognized nine cities leading the trend toward better use of data in city governance practices.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners