Achieving a national standard of excellence for a well-managed, data-driven local government 

What Works Cities Certification recognizes and celebrates local governments for their exceptional use of data to inform policy and funding decisions, improve services, create operational efficiencies, and engage residents. The Certification Program rigorously assesses cities on their data-driven decision-making practices, such as whether they are using data to set goals and track progress, allocate funding, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and achieve desired outcomes. These data-informed strategies enable Certified Cities to be more resilient, respond to crises, increase economic mobility, protect public health, and increase resident satisfaction.

In 2023, Tempe earned platinum certification status, being among only five cities in the world (Los Angeles, New York City, Louisville, and Phoenix) to have received this level of excellence.  

While only five cities have achieved platinum status, there are 74 cities around the world that have received some level of certification. 

Tempe is committed to using data to improve quality of life and to ensure residents get the most for their tax dollars in 2016. Today, residents can see Tempe’s progress and how it benefits them from measures such as fire response time, pavement quality index, walkability and our shade canopy.

About What Works Cities:

Launched in 2017, Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities recognizes and celebrates local governments for their exceptional use of data to inform policy decisions, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate the effectiveness of programs and engage residents. What Works Cities provides cities at all points in their data journey with a standard of excellence that shows how investing in data and evidence practices can lead to tangible outcomes for residents.

Embedding data and evidence into decision-making sets the foundation for stronger, safer and healthier 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 effectively and better engage their communities.

For more information, visit whatworkscities.org.