These questions help city managers identify where to begin:
Leadership & Culture
When was the last time performance data was discussed constructively in a leadership meeting?
Do department heads feel safe sharing underperformance?
Is data used primarily for compliance reporting or strategic learning?
Staff Readiness
Do staff understand why certain metrics are tracked?
Is there clarity about how data informs resource allocation?
Are performance goals clearly defined across departments?
Public Trust
Are residents able to easily access and understand city performance data?
Does your communication explain what data means and what it does not mean?
If resources are limited:
Start with:
One priority outcome (e.g., response time, permit turnaround, code enforcement)
One clear metric
One monthly review conversation
One internal communication reinforcing purpose
Data culture grows from repetition, not scale.