A city in Washington had made progress toward a data-driven approach, but results were inconsistent across departments. Some teams used advanced analytics, while others depended on isolated systems, informal methods, and manual reporting.
The challenge
City leaders saw that better data management and governance were essential for transparency, efficiency, and informed decisions. The city needed an honest assessment of its data maturity and a practical plan to improve governance, reduce silos, and build lasting data capabilities.
The BerryDunn approach
BerryDunn worked with the city to assess data management maturity and create a multiyear strategy based on public-sector best practices. The project included document review, staff surveys, and fact-finding sessions, evaluating six main areas: analytics, culture, management, governance, personnel, and technology, using a federal model adapted for municipalities. The team prioritized governance, people, and process, collaborating with city staff to confirm findings and identify improvement opportunities that fit the city's needs.
The solution
BerryDunn delivered two foundational outcomes for the city:
1. A citywide data management maturity assessment
The assessment established a clear, point-in-time view of the city’s data management maturity at both the department and citywide levels. It highlighted strengths the city could build upon while also identifying systemic challenges related to data silos, inconsistent standards, unclear data ownership, and limited governance structures.
This shared baseline gave city leadership and staff a common language for discussing data management maturity and an objective and measurable foundation for prioritizing improvement efforts.
2. A data management strategy and multiyear workplan
Building on the assessment results, BerryDunn developed a phased data management strategy and workplan designed to incrementally elevate the city’s maturity over time. The workplan identified prioritized projects and initiatives to:
- Strengthen and formalize citywide data governance
- Clarify data ownership, stewardship, and roles across departments
- Improve data documentation, retention practices, and naming conventions
- Reduce data silos and duplication
- Expand data literacy and analytics capabilities
- Align technology, process, and people to support better data use
Each initiative included clear descriptions, anticipated benefits, organizational effort considerations, and high-level resource estimates.
The results
The city now has a practical plan to enhance data management and governance aligned with its operations. Key outcomes include:
- A unified view of data maturity across departments
- A framework for stronger data governance and accountability
- Prioritized initiatives that fit organizational capacity
- Greater awareness of data’s impact on service delivery and decision-making
- A strong foundation for further progress toward a data-driven organization
By focusing on both best practices and operational needs, the city can make steady improvements in managing and using data. With a clear workplan, the city is set to advance its data capabilities, supporting priorities and community goals through better governance, culture, and skills.
About BerryDunn
BerryDunn’s local government consulting team has the experience to lead technology planning initiatives and develop actionable plans that help you think strategically and improve service delivery. We partner with you, maintaining flexibility and open lines of communication to help ensure that your team has the resources it needs. Learn more about our services and team.
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