StatNet is a network of municipal managers and analysts using CitiStat or other data-driven management approaches to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local government

While public managers often have access to a lot of data, it can be a challenge to figure out how to use that data to improve public services.  Through StatNet, the Collins Center, in association with the Rappaport Institute and Pioneer Institute, has been convening data-savvy municipal managers several times a year to learn from each other and compare performance data across communities.

Many communities in New England have adopted an approach to performance management called CitiStat.  Their leadership teams hold regular meetings to review current data to analyze performance, identify and solve problems, set targets, and learn about best practices.  While these internal municipal teams tackle the challenges of collecting and organizing their own data, they had few opportunities in the past to compare their numbers and analyses with colleagues in other communities. 

Managers and analysts from StatNet’s member communities meet three times annually to bridge that gap.  Participants fill out a data survey before each meeting, and StatNet staff analyze the responses and create a presentation to start off the group discussion and to help participants understand what data different communities are tracking, how they use the data, and what the data can tell participants about best practices and benchmarks.  Past topics have included local departments of public works and police, outside contracting for municipal services, personnel management, budget development and implementation, and constituent relations. 

People from non-member municipalities or other organizations are welcome to observe at our StatNet meetings.

For more information, email Amy Dain, StatNet Coordinator, at dainresearch@gmail.com