Tools and strategies

The 90-Day Launch Framework

Phase 1 (Days 1–30): Define the Why

Deliverable: 1-Page Data Purpose Statement

Template:

Our Data Plan Exists To:

• Improve ______ (service outcome)

• Reduce ______ (disparity, delay, cost, etc.)

• Increase ______ (transparency, coordination, trust)

Priority Focus Areas (3 max):
1.
2.
3.

City Manager Commitment Statement:

“Data will be used to improve performance, not assign blame.”

Quarter 1 – Governance Setup

• Establish Data Working Group (monthly)

• Identify Department Data Leads

• Approve 3–5 core performance goals

Quarter 2 – Disaggregation & Transparency

• Disaggregate at least 2 metrics

• Create internal dashboard (Excel acceptable)

• Present first Data Brief to Council

Quarter 3 – Process Improvement

• Select one service for deeper analysis

• Conduct root cause review

• Test one process improvement

Quarter 4 – Institutionalization

• Add equity/performance section to staff reports

• Publish annual data summary

• Review goals and update targets

Smaller jurisdictions do NOT need a Chief Data Officer.

Instead,

Recommended Model:

• City Manager (Executive Sponsor)

• One cross-department Data Working Group

• Rotating department lead presentations

• Finance or IT as technical backbone

Keep structure light. Focus on accountability.

Policy Elements:

• Data is an operational asset

• Departments retain ownership of operational data

• Shared data standards (naming, date formats, definitions)

• Annual review of key metrics

• Privacy & public transparency guardrails

Minimal Technology Stack Guidance

Start with:

• Excel / Google Sheets

• Shared drive

• One visual dashboard tool (optional)

Avoid:

• Enterprise systems without clear use case

• Purchasing software before defining goals