Emerging Challenges of Budgeting and Performance

Barrett & Greene (Op-Ed by Don Kettl)

“The fundamental problem is this. We tend to budget by agency and then, typically, by program within the agency. However, the actual implementation of almost every program depends on complex networks involving multiple programs, agencies, levels of government, sectors of society, and even foreign governments.”

Improving Performance of Federal Grants: A HUD Homelessness Case Study

IBM Center for The Business of Government

This report illuminates how to improve data sharing and performance management in intergovernmental programs. The authors share findings from HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) multi-pronged strategies that combine performance measures and capacity building supports to focus grant recipients on achieving national goals. These strategies provide a menu of smart practices that can be used by other federal agencies that administer intergovernmental grants. 

Literature Review of Strategic Planning in Public Organizations

International Public Management Journal (Vandersmissen and George; gated access)

Drawing from a systematic review of 75 studies through a Strategy-as-Practice lens, this paper contributes to public management theory, research, and practice in three significant ways: a literature synthesis, a framework of what works & when, and choices among different approaches. 

On-Line Workshop: Using Digital Skills & Data in Your Work (Tues., Nov 21, 10 a.m. Eastern)

Apolitical

This free online workshop will teach you how to harness the power of digital tools and data analysis to optimise government operations and delivery.

Postal Service Delivery Performance Announcement

U.S. Postal Service

The United States Postal Service reported new delivery performance metrics for the fifth week of the first quarter for fiscal year 2024. The average time for the Postal Service to deliver a mailpiece or package across the nation was 2.5 days.

Setting Sensible KPIs

Stacey Barr’s Blog

Key Performance Indicator target setting is both science and art. Science, in that it has proven and logical steps. Art, in that it needs your own creative input too.

2023 State Standard of Excellence

Results for America

In the 2023 State Standard of Excellence, Results for America identified 194 examples of data-driven and evidence-based practices, policies, programs, and systems in effect as of August 2023 in 46 states across the country.

Resource of the Week: Streamlining the Creation of Data Sharing Agreements

Open Data Policy Lab

Harnessing data from different sources can require forming agreements with outside actors and this process can be complex and time-consuming. This guide will help data stewards operating in the public streamline the creation of data sharing agreements.