By Barbara Moore, ICMA Staff

“When it comes to delivering services, the proverbial rubber meets the road at the local level.” That’s how Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene introduced a recent column in Governing that examined the use of data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services.

The column, 7 Ideas for Using Government Data More Effectively, was based on a survey of executives and senior managers in cities, counties, and special districts by the Governing Exchange, a research arm of Governing. The survey identified a number of issues and problems that often interfere with the ability to use data to its full advantage. Chief among them was data quality—specifically accuracy and usefulness.

Promising anonymity, they asked: “If you could do one thing with your data that you’re not doing, what would it be?” Here’s a “wish list” created from the responses:

• Better data sharing and integration
• Make data more understandable
• More data analysis to improve usefulness
• Better training
• Sound definitions to permit comparability
• Improved quality—specifically accuracy and timeliness
• Better use of digital capabilities.

The full presentation includes specific quotes and suggestions from city managers, department heads, and others who depend on good data to manage and lead—and who can take steps to improve the collection and use of data in their own organizations.