Please note: This course has reached capacity. Please check out other upcoming NLCU courses.
Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities: How to Build a Data-Driven City is a six-session online course designed to help municipal leaders and staff strengthen how their cities use data to improve decisions, services, operations and outcomes.
Participants will explore the core components of a data-driven city, including leadership and culture, assessment and action planning, data governance, disaggregated data, performance management, data storytelling and responsible AI. Participants will complete the initial Data Snapshot between Sessions 1 and 3 and use it, along with course reflections, to identify current strengths, priority areas and realistic next steps for their city.
The course is designed to be foundational, practical and action-oriented. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how data can support better decisions, clearer communication, stronger services and improved outcomes for residents..
Details
- Course Dates: Oct. 6 – Nov. 17, 2026
- Format: Live Online
- Cost: Free
Dates
- Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM ET
- Tuesday, Oct. 13 | No Class
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM ET
- Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM ET
- Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM ET
- Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM ET
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM ET
Session format:
Sessions 1–6 are planned as online synchronous sessions.
Data Snapshot timing:
Participants will complete the initial Data Snapshot between Sessions 1 and 3. Session 3 is designed to help participants use their Data Snapshot results and/or baseline reflection to identify priority areas and practical next steps.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core components of a data-driven city and how they connect to better decision-making and service delivery.
- Use the Data Snapshot to assess their city’s current data practices and identify practical opportunities for improvement.
- Recognize the role of leadership, culture and cross-department collaboration in sustaining data use.
- Understand foundational data governance concepts, including roles, standards, accountability, transparency and trust.
- Use disaggregated data to better understand community needs, service gaps and outcome disparities.
- Identify meaningful metrics and performance management routines that support strategic priorities.
- Communicate data clearly to different audiences in ways that support alignment, accountability and action.
- Understand the opportunities and risks of AI in local government, including why strong data foundations matter before adopting new tools.
Course Instructors:
This course will be facilitated by global members of the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities team at Results for America and affiliated subject matter experts with experience supporting local governments in using data and evidence to improve decision-making, services, operations and outcomes.
Because this is an six-session course, different facilitators will lead or support sessions based on the topic area, including data governance, disaggregated data, performance management, data storytelling, responsible AI and action planning.
