Cities collect vast amounts of data, but turning numbers into action is not always easy. Data-driven decision making aims to close this gap by embedding analytics into daily government operations, from budgeting to public safety.

Some municipalities are building dashboards that track service delivery in real time, while others use predictive models to allocate resources more efficiently. These efforts ensure that policies are informed not by guesswork but by clear evidence of what works.

Still, data alone is not enough — leaders must build a culture that values transparency and accountability. When paired with strong governance, data-driven decision making can empower local governments to deliver better outcomes for residents.