City of Dallas receives national recognition for excellence in data-driven governance

Dallas, Texas – The City of Dallas has been awarded the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Gold Certification, a prestigious recognition granted by Results for America. This certification honors cities that demonstrate exceptional use of data and evidence to inform decisions, allocate resources, evaluate programs, and engage communities. The honor places Dallas among the leading cities across the Americas when it comes to making data a central part of government operations.

“Dallas is honored to be recognized with the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Gold Certification for our exceptional use of data,” said Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “Throughout my Administration, I have prioritized data-driven decision-making, and that commitment is yielding tangible results. By investing in strong data foundations, Dallas is building a smarter city government and delivering more efficient services to our residents.”

Dallas achieved this recognition by meeting 68 to 84 percent of the 43 criteria outlined by the certification’s international standard. These criteria cover a broad range of city practices including data collection, transparency, evidence-based policy creation, and results-driven budgeting.

Strategic Data Use and Artificial Intelligence Fuel Transformation

City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert emphasized how Dallas is expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics to transform operations.

“The City of Dallas is committed to being a data-driven city, and this recognition affirms our progress in that mission,” said Tolbert. “We continue to leverage data as a strategic asset to improve city services, enhance transparency, and deliver better outcomes for our residents. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are key components of our strategy — enabling us to make smarter business decisions, address public safety needs, and ensure that residents benefit from a more responsive, innovative city government.”

Dallas is already putting AI to work across multiple departments. Current projects include:

• AI-assisted fire risk modeling, which allows the city to predict and reduce fire hazards;

• Human trafficking detection, using analytics to uncover potential incidents more efficiently;

• Code compliance automation, which helps speed up response to violations.

Future plans involve deploying AI-powered cameras and drones in public spaces such as parks and trails. These tools will help identify flooding, debris, and even disruptive behavior in real time—helping city staff respond faster and with more accuracy.

Setting the Standard for Modern Governance

The What Works Cities Certification is the first-of-its-kind international standard for data excellence in municipal government. It was created in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and is led by Results for America. Cities that meet at least 51 percent of the program’s rigorous 43 criteria earn a Silver level; Gold is awarded for scores between 68 and 84 percent, and Platinum is reserved for cities that meet 85 percent or more.

“The cities recognized by Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification exemplify what is possible when city leaders commit to data-driven governance: real results for residents,” said Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities. “By pursuing Certification or advancing to a higher level of recognition, cities are demonstrating and strengthening their dedication to using data to drive progress and deliver better outcomes.”

The program is open to cities across North, Central, and South America with populations of 30,000 or more.

James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, praised the effort across certified cities like Dallas.

“The Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification is one of the largest-ever philanthropic efforts to improve how local governments use data to improve people’s lives,” Anderson said. “Whether to stem housing shortages, reduce traffic fatalities, or improve resident service and responsiveness, city halls are tapping data, digital, and artificial intelligence to rise to the challenge – and we are thrilled to support their progress.”

Building a Resilient and Innovative Future

With this latest achievement, Dallas joins a select group of cities across the Americas that are not only solving today’s problems through data but also laying a strong foundation for long-term innovation and resilience. The certification is not just a badge of honor—it’s a reflection of the city’s ongoing commitment to smarter governance, transparent operations, and better service for every resident.