Savannah Secures Silver Certification for Data-Driven Governance

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Savannah's parks receive significant upgrades through data-driven decision-making.

News Summary

Savannah has achieved Silver-level certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies for its commitment to data-driven governance, enhancing public services and community engagement. The What Works Cities Certification program evaluated its data capabilities, leading to notable improvements in local parks and recreation. With increased pool attendance and youth program participation, Savannah joins 21 other newly certified cities, setting a standard for utilizing data effectively in governance and community development.

Savannah Shines with Silver Certification for Data-Driven Governance

Exciting news is buzzing around Savannah as it has been recognized with a prestigious Silver-level certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies for its commitment to data-driven governance. This notable achievement comes through the What Works Cities Certification program, which evaluates cities on their use of data to enhance public services and resident engagement.

What is the What Works Cities Certification Program?

Since its launch in 2017, the What Works Cities Certification program has been all about encouraging local governments across the Americas to embrace the power of data. The program assesses cities based on a strict set of 43 criteria related to data capabilities and governance. In order to earn the Silver certification, a city must successfully meet between 51-67% of these criteria. With Savannah now officially certified, it joins an elite group of cities that prioritize making informed decisions based on real data.

A Step Up in Parks and Recreation

One major factor that helped Savannah clinch this Silver certification is its impressive work on upgrading local parks and recreation centers. Through careful analysis of conditions and community needs, Savannah made significant improvements to 25 parks and recreation centers. These upgrades weren’t just cosmetic; they transformed these spaces into vibrant community hubs for all ages. The results were nothing short of remarkable, with a 40% increase in pool attendance and a 37% rise in youth participation in programs between 2023 and 2024. This kind of data-driven decision-making clearly shows how impactful understanding community needs can be.

Who Else is Joining the Certification Club?

Savannah isn’t alone in this fantastic recognition. It’s now one of 21 newly certified cities proudly showcasing their commitment to data rigor. Other cities that earned accolades include Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, and Winnipeg from Canada, alongside U.S. cities like Burlington, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Worth, Newark, Oklahoma City, Raleigh, Reno, and many others. This certification program is a golden opportunity for cities with a population of 30,000 or greater to step up their game and invest in data-driven governance.

The Benefits of Data-Driven Governance

At its core, the What Works Cities initiative is designed to encourage local governments to put data to work in meaningful ways. By focusing on the actual needs of their communities, cities like Savannah can generate better outcomes for residents, ultimately fostering a more engaged populace. The goal is to ensure that decision-making is always informed and effective, which is essential for creating sustainable progress in urban settings.

The Future Looks Bright

With this certification under its belt, Savannah has set a fantastic example for other cities searching for ways to utilize data in governance. Not only does it reaffirm the importance of community engagement, but it also shines a light on the potential improvements that can be made through thoughtful analysis. As Savannah continues to invest in its parks and public services, the future is looking brighter than ever for the community.

In a world where data rules and insights drive decisions, Savannah is proving that it’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating a vibrant community where everyone can thrive. Here’s to even more accomplishments down the road!