The City of Charlotte has officially struck gold in the realm of data-driven governance, securing the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification at the Gold Level. This prestigious accolade is recognition for the city's significant strides in utilizing data to guide policy decisions, budget allocations, and program evaluations, all while bolstering community engagement.
As part of an elite cadre, Charlotte joins the ranks of 83 cities that have earned the What Works Cities Certification since its inception. Mike Bloomberg's initiative aims to encourage cities to not only extensively collect data but to also strategically use it to make better-informed decisions for their residents. Charlotte has demonstrated a robust capacity to quickly employ data, deriving insights that have translated into tangible quality of life improvements for its citizens. In a nod to these achievements, the city was highlighted by Charlotte's press release on June 18th, 2024.
Mayor Vi Lyles underlined the city's achievements in a recently issued statement. "This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to leveraging data-driven solutions to inform our decision-making processes, allocate resources effectively, enhance the delivery of services to our residents, evaluate the impact of our programs, and foster meaningful community engagement," Lyles stated, underscoring the depth of Charlotte's dedication to innovation and transparency in governance. Emphasis was placed on the city's commitment to ensuring decisions, whether big or small, are data-grounded and community-focused.
The What Works Cities Certification does not just dangle a medal for cities to aimlessly aspire; it establishes a benchmark for municipal excellence, specifically in data practices and policies. Charlotte’s achievement signals a broader shift in urban management, one that looks to adopt a rigorously methodical to always improve service delivery, advocate for fiscal responsibility, and secure the trust of the public through evidence-based decisions. More than 170 cities have applied for the certification to date, indicating a nationwide trend towards data adoption in city halls.
