Published April 25 2019
The City of Bellevue has been recognized for using data to improve its services, with Bloomberg Philanthropies putting the city on its honor roll of “What Works Cities.”
In announcing the recognition this week, Bloomberg cited Bellevue for incorporating data into its budget process and maintaining an open data portal that tracks trends and the city’s performance in economic growth, public safety, housing and other areas.
In 2015, Bellevue was one of the first cities selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies to participate in What Works Cities, a $42 million initiative to support local governments’ use of data.
“We are a data-informed city and it is a foundational element of our budget process” said Toni Call, director of Finance & Asset Management for Bellevue. “It gives us a better grasp of how well our programs work and helps us find ways to serve the public even better.”
Over the last two years Bloomberg has given WWC certification to just 13 cities for their use of data. Bellevue was one of two cities to make the honor roll this year, for being on the path to certification.
Bellevue launched its data portal in 2016, and since then has been adding datasets, some featured in sophisticated story maps. In addition, the city uses data to align its budget process with its strategic priorities (WWC case study).
What Works Cities offers additional details about certification and honor roll recognition for cities.