Big Data Having Big Impact on City Operations

"Bridgespan, a nonprofit consultancy for philanthropists and mission-driven organizations, and the education organization America Achieves have released a big report packed with case studies that illuminate a broader trend: how data-driven decision making can lead to the most effective use of a city's limited financial resources," report Anya Kamenetz.

"Just like the computer system Compstat led to a revolution in police work starting in New York City, and testing-based accountability measures have driven education reform nationwide, there is a strong case being made here that cities should invest in an infrastructure of evidence-gathering as a way of setting public priorities, picking winners and losers, and even convincing an often reluctant tax base to pay more money for programs that can be proven to work."