Performance measurement isn’t a new concept but some local governments are taking it to the next level by creating public facing community dashboards that update in real time or organizing data spatially on a map. These measures are not only a way to increase local government transparency, build trust, and a relationship with the community but help local governments analyze the data they have collected, improve the collection process, and ensures they are collecting the data that matters most.

My biggest take away from the webinar “Data in Action: How Local Governments Measure Performance” from GovLoop was that citizen satisfaction is the gold standard. While measuring the performance of your local government it is critical to remember your community and what they think about their local government’s performance.  One way to do this is through citizen surveys implemented yearly or even quarterly like in Cook County. The survey results are then used to see if the community’s goals are aligning with the local government’s goals.

Another valuable piece of advice from the webinar was not to forget the granular data. Only looking at the higher order data will leave you with a vague picture of how your local government is progressing towards its goals. While incorporating the tiny details can illuminate what exactly is holding your local government back from its goals. Additionally making the granular data available can spur the creation of apps for your local government by programmers looking for a fun challenge. Your local government could even host a hack-a-thon and involve g the community instead of paying for a developer to create an app for you!

Engaging with your data can open up a world of possibilities for your local government by not only helping you reach your goals but it can also alert citizens to the great job their local government is going through the use of dashboard and visualizations.

• If you are interested in performance measurement and connecting with your local government peers try joining the Center for Management Strategies Group.
• Start following the From Performance Measurement to Performance Management blog on the Knowledge Network  get the latest news on that local governments are doing to take performance measurement to the next level.
• Consider applying for ICMA’s certificate in Performance Measurement! This year’s recipients will be honored at ICMA’s 100th Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC.
• “Performance Measurement in Practice” is a guide with case studies that illustrate the different approaches taken by local governments when it comes to performance measurement.
• “Performance Measurement Yields Results and Transparency” Shows how local governments can think through the performance measurement process and the benefits it can bring to the community. 

Robin Saywitz 

ICMA Knowledge Network Intern 

rsaywitz@icma.org