Building Data-Informed Local Governments

Local governments are increasingly expected to use data to guide decisions, measure progress, and demonstrate accountability to residents. Yet many jurisdictions—especially smaller and resource-constrained communities—lack a clear roadmap for how to build a culture that supports meaningful data use.

This toolkit provides practical tools, leadership strategies, and implementation guidance to help municipal leaders integrate data into everyday decision-making, improve service outcomes, and strengthen public trust.

Rather than focusing on complex technology systems, the toolkit emphasizes the human and organizational foundations of data culture, including leadership behaviors, staff engagement, data literacy, and transparency.

Who This Toolkit Is For

This toolkit was designed for:

• City Managers
• County Administrators
• Department Directors
• Local Government Leadership Teams
• Innovation / Performance Offices

The toolkit was designed by three municipal leaders who represent city governments of small (West Hollywood); mid (Savannah); and large (Philadelphia). The intetion was to provide just as much value to smaller jurisdictions beginning their data journey as to larger cities and counties looking to elevate their data leadership and transparency.

The Municipal Data Culture Framework

Building a data-informed government requires progress across six interconnected areas:

1. Leading a Data Culture Shift

How leadership behavior shapes organizational norms around data use.

2. Data Literacy

Helping staff and leaders confidently understand and use data.

3. Trust & Transparency

Sharing performance information in ways that build public confidence.

4. Elevating Equity

Using disaggregated data to identify and address disparities.

5. Strategic Data Planning

Developing a practical citywide data strategy and governance structure.

6. Staff Engagement

Building buy-in through co-creation of metrics and early wins.

Together, these components help local governments move from reactive reporting to proactive learning and improvement.