ASPA Center for Accountability & Performance

Shortcomings of Evidence-Based Practice

Barrett & Greene

When entities rely too much on evidence-based practices before they embark on a new program or policy, there’s a hazard that they may be finding their proofs of concept from dissimilar places.

Data & Evidence Policy Trends: 10 Government Transformations

The Data Foundation

Through improved data sharing and advanced analytics, we have unprecedented opportunities to enhance program effectiveness, drive business innovation, and deliver better outcomes for the American people. Here are the top ten trends we see for 2025.

Resource of the Week:  State of the Nation

The State of the Nation Project is a comprehensive and objective national progress report assessing how we are doing as a country. Its reports represent a broad consensus of leading experts and a cross-section of everyday Americans from across the political spectrum. Its work highlights key trends, dispels myths, and promotes dialogue and insights about the factors shaping our nation’s prosperity.

Five Areas to Improve Government Performance Using AI

IBM Center for The Business of Government (Dan Chenok)

The beginning of a new administration provides a unique opportunity to ask fundamental questions about current government programs, and how agencies can optimize their use of limited resources with solutions like AI and shared services. Drawing on research into practices that have proven effective, new leaders can leverage AI — along with business process expertise and strategic industry partnerships — to have a high and early impact on government efficiency and productivity. Such actions can be taken in five areas.

Public Health Workers Lack Crucial Data Skills

MeriTalk

Public health workers need improved data analytics skills, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that highlights a gap in the health workforce’s ability to better address public health needs and disparities. 

Improving Government Productivity: A Systemwide Approach

McKinsey & Co.

“In this article, we discuss a systematic approach to improving productivity by using three strategies that have been effective in both public and private sector organizations. While we point to specific examples from the United Kingdom and from the private sector, we suggest that the overall approach proposed here would apply to most public sector organizations.”

Resource of the Week:  Better Government Lab

Georgetown University/University of Michigan

Better Government Lab evaluates what works in government—generating credible evidence to increase government effectiveness and make public services and programs more accessible.

Maryland Seeks to Improve Government Performance

RouteFifty

Maryland governor Wes Moore signed an executive order directing departments to take a data-driven approach to improving their performance and decision making, including by tracking their progress against a soon-to-be-developed State Comprehensive Plan, holding regular reviews with executive leadership, identifying areas for improvement and building capacity to support what the order calls a “data-driven, action-oriented culture” in state government. The governor’s chief performance officer, Asma Mirza, will lead the effort.

Resource of the Week:  Managing for Results in Government

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Here’s a one-stop landing page for resources on the Federal Performance Framework and GAO’s work on improving government performance.