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City of Tulsa Receives National Recognition, Silver What Works Cities Certification for Excellence in Data-Driven Local Government

2/27/2025

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.

What this Means for Tulsa Residents
Cities that achieve What Works Cities Certification are better equipped to deliver effective services and programs that directly benefit residents. This certification signifies that Tulsa has the right people, processes and policies in place to make data-driven decisions that enhance public services, improve efficiency and create a better quality of life for the community.
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More information about What Works Cities and to read more about the City of Tulsa’s use of data, visit: https://whatworkscities.bloomberg.org/cities/