Bloomerg's What Works Cities Initiative > Transparency + Accountability for Mesa?

Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces 
First Cities Selected to Join What Works Cities Initiative

Mesa was one of eight cities selected from over 100 that applied to the nations's most comprehensive $42 million dollar initiative to help city halls use data and evidence effectively to deliver better results for residents.

More promises and same-old-same-old feel-good rhetoric for residents? or is Mike Bloomberg, former 3-term mayor of New York City, gonna help these local city officials do a better job?

Here's a quote from John Giles from the city's press release: 

“In today’s technologically driven world, data and evidence are the fuel that powers the innovation and efficiency of our city services,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said. “Mesa is excited to be one of the first cities in the country to partner with What Works Cities to create data driven outcomes that make Mesa an even better place to live.” 

Can someone translate that ?

Data-driven outcomes? . . .  how about some details?

Mesa will strengthen existing performance management programs? . . . any details?

You'll have to find out from these good fellas at City Hall doing a photo opp - no doubt thinking what approaches deliver results for citizens - calling themselves Team 1 from an image offered for download on the City of Mesa Newsroom site: Anyone wondering who the fella is in the middle?
Yours truly had to email Randy Policar to ask. He is Alex Deshuk, Chief Innovation Officer

PLEASE USE AND REMEMBER THESE WORDS: As part of the application process mayors have publicly committed to enhance their use of data and evidence to: 

• improve services
• inform local decision making and 
• engage citizens. 

The eight cities selected will receive expert support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to make government more effective. Since the launch of the What Works Cities initiative in April 2015, mayors from every region of the country have expressed their desire for technical assistance to use data more productively.

According to the press release, Mesa will strengthen existing performance management programs. CAN ANYONE TRANSLATE THAT?

Hit this link to view the press release  What Works Cities Press Release 05 August 2015

The New York-based foundation said it doesn't break down what percentage of the $42 million total goes to each city.

What works? 

That’s a question that every city leader should ask – and we want to help them find answers.

The program will help cities:

1. Create sustainable open data programs and policies that promote transparency and robust citizen engagement

2. Conduct low-cost, rapid evaluations that allow cities to continually improve programs

3. Focus funding on approaches that deliver results for citizens

A consortium of leading organizations has been assembled to inspire, challenge, and support cities. Together, these partners will deliver a comprehensive program of support, promoting tested as well as innovative new approaches.
INNOVATIVE NEW APPROACHES, Huh?

Here are those organizations:

• Results for America will lead and coordinate the What Works Cities partner consortium and advance a nationwide dialogue on the need for cities to use data and evidence in decision making.
• The Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University will work with cities to assess the current state of What Works practices, and support implementation and enhancement of open data and performance management programs.
• The Government Performance Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School will support cities in improving the results they achieve with their contracted dollars.
• Sunlight Foundation will help cities craft meaningful and sustainable open data policies.
• The Behavioral Insights Team will help cities conduct real time, low-cost evaluations of programs so they can continually improve city services.

 Here's some free advertising for the mayor for his law practice