The City of Tulsa has again been recognized for its innovative use of data, earning Silver Certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities program. This national recognition highlights Tulsa’s commitment to leveraging data to drive effective decision-making, improving services and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Tulsa previously achieved Silver Certification in 2019, and this year’s recognition comes under even more rigorous criteria introduced in 2022. These updated standards emphasize equity, resident engagement and linking data practices to tangible outcomes for the community. Despite the increased difficulty, Tulsa has demonstrated its expertise in data management, developed a citywide strategy for data and analytics and made significant progress in using data to improve resident wellbeing.
“This recognition is a continued testament to Tulsa’s dedication in using data and innovation to make informed decisions that directly benefit our residents,” Mayor Nichols said. “By strengthening our data-driven approach, we ensure that our policies are programs are more effective, equitable and impactful. Our commitment to leveraging data helps us address complex challenges—from ensuring every resident has a safe place to call home, to making our neighborhoods safer and fostering opportunities for students and families. This work is foundational to building a city that is inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking.”
Continued Commitment to Data Excellence
Achieving the What Works Cities Certification requires more than a one-time action; it demands ongoing efforts to analyze data, evaluate policies and implement best practices. Tulsa continues to foster a data-driven culture by strengthening governance frameworks, aligning strategic priorities with data insights and ensuring resources are effectively utilized. Through the What Works Cities network, Tulsa also collaborates with peer cities to share successful approaches and address common challenges.