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

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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