Geek Cities: How Smarter Use of Data and Evidence Can Improve Lives

Table of Contents

Forewords

Written by:

• Michele Jolin, Managing Partner, Results for America
• Mayor Julián Castro, San Antonio, Texas
• Patrick T. McCarthy, President and CEO, Annie E. Casey Foundation

Executive Summary

Geek Cities: Introduction

#1 Measure What Matters

City innovations mentioned in this section:

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools uses data to boost student achievement
• Denver Public Schools uses data to drive continuous improvement
• New York uses data to tackle chronic absenteeism

#2 Build the Evidence Base

City innovations mentioned in this section:

• New York City’s Center for Economic Opportunity identifies and scales what works to fight poverty
• Project Oracle establishes itself as London's "children’s and youth evidence hub"

#3 Invest in What Works

City innovations mentioned in this section:

• San Antonio’s new pre-K initiative seeks to use evidence every step of the way
• Providence intervenes at the community level to get better outcomes for youth
• Baltimore's B'More for Health Babies uses evidence-based programs to reduce infant mortality

#4 Budget for What Works

City innovations mentioned in this section:

• A new way of budgeting in Baltimore dramatically changes how funding decisions are made

Recommendations

Actions city leaders and federal, state, and philanthropic partners can take to improve lives of residents and support cities.

The Path Forward

Concluding thoughts from the authors.

Acknowledgments

Glossary of Terms

Overview of City Innovations Featured in This Report