Beware: The Statistics from Nowhere

The Atlantic

Unfortunately, the very pervasiveness of meaningless numbers undercuts the credibility of statistics more generally, even when the numbers never make it into anyone’s financial calculations. . . . Audiences should be skeptical of numbers that get thrown around without sufficient explanation of their provenance. 

Are We There Yet? Evolution of the U.S. Federal Performance Management Framework: 1993-2022

International Journal of Public Administration (un-gated article)

The adoption and use of organizational performance management techniques has evolved in the US federal government over the past three decades. Recent movements to develop more sustainable uses of data and evidence may hold lessons for the future of the federal performance movement.

The 4 Stages of Data-Informed Local Government

What Works Cities

 What Works Cities equips and empowers city leaders to develop a data culture that delivers for residents. But what does the undertaking actually look like?

Buffalo’s Open Data Help Prevent Lead Poisoning

What Works Cities

During the last five years, Buffalo has successfully relaunched efforts to remediate toxic lead water pipes in no small part due to its strong commitment to data-driven decision making, open data, and stakeholder outreach.

Baltimore’s Use of Data to Support Neighborhood Reinvestment

What Works Cities

To address pressing housing challenges, the City of Baltimore is designing interventions customized to neighborhoods’ specific needs. Decisions about how to make these targeted investments are supported by a strong foundation of open data and stakeholder engagement.

Principles and Practices of Performance Budgeting

National Center for Public Performance

This YouTube recording of a recent webinar features Prof. Elaine Yi Lu  (City University of New York) and Prof. Katherine Willoughby (University of Georgia) who discuss their award-winning book “Public Performance Budgeting: Principles and Practice.” Their presentations are moderated by Mr. Greg Useem, Chief Performance Officer for the City of Alexandria, Va.

Resource of the Week:  Mapping Civic Measurement

Institute for Citizens & Scholars

Mapping Civic Measurement is a comprehensive civic measurement landscape review and a first-of-its-kind framework for mapping civic readiness and opportunities. This report features a collection of measurement tools, rubrics, and more than 200 resources in use by practitioners across education, business, philanthropy, community institutions, media, government, and civil society.