Why Certify
Embedding data and evidence into decision-making sets the foundation for stronger, safer, healthier and more equitable communities. Data-informed cities produce sustainable solutions to endure today’s crises and tackle tomorrow’s challenges, set better priorities to make every dollar count, budget equitably and effectively, and better engage their communities.
What Works Cities Certification sets the standard of excellence in city governance by evaluating how well cities are managed and whether they have the right people, practices and policies in place to put data and evidence at the center of decision-making.
A path to improvement
Receive a report benchmarking their current state of practice and outlining a customized path for improvement.
Access to resources
Gain access to educational resources that help them implement the best practices in a constantly evolving field.
Access to community
A one-of-a-kind space to celebrate, troubleshoot and innovate with peers in other cities
How Certification works
The first step toward achieving Certification is completing an online self-Assessment. This Assessment includes more than 40 criteria, organized around eight foundational practice areas, which define the fundamentals of data-driven governance.
After completing the Assessment, cities immediately join their peers in the Certification Community. This community equips city leaders and staff with the skills they need to achieve Certification, grow their data practices and improve outcomes for residents. Certification Community members participate in a unique space to solve challenges and share successes with innovative, data-driven peers working to build data capacity in their cities. This includes exclusive access to expert coaching, resources, a community forum and more.
Silver
Local governments are good at understanding data, tracking progress, and using data and evidence to make decisions. Cities that achieve between 51% and 67% of the Certification criteria are recognized at the silver level.
51% - 67% (≥22 criteria)
Gold
Local governments are great at understanding data, tracking progress, and using data and evidence to make decisions. Cities that achieve between 68% and 84% of the Certification criteria are recognized at the gold level.
68% - 84% (≥29 criteria)
Platinum
Local governments set the precedent in understanding data, tracking progress, and using data and evidence to make decisions. Cities that achieve 85% or more of the Certification criteria are recognized at the platinum level.
+85% (≥37 criteria)