Strategic Data Planning

A Strategic Data Plan is not a technology document.

It is a governance document that clarifies:

• Why the jurisdiction uses data

• What problems data should solve

• Who is responsible

• How progress will be measured

Research on local government reform consistently shows that structural change without governance clarity increases coordination and transaction costs (Carr & Feiock; institutional choice literature)

Smaller jurisdictions in particular benefit from intentional coordination rather than large-scale restructuring.

This section provides a simple, phased approach to help a city or county:

• Avoid overbuilding technical infrastructure

• Start with priority outcomes

• Clarify roles and accountability

• Build momentum within 12 months