In today’s fast-moving public-sector environment, leaders are awash in data — but data alone doesn’t create impact. The real challenge is converting that data into actionable evidence that drives decisions, allocates resources, and enhances outcomes. That’s where the concept of a culture of evidence becomes crucial.
Passed in 2018, the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) helped launch this movement by mandating agencies to develop learning agendas, create evaluation policies, and appoint Chief Data Officers. But compliance with legislation is just the beginning. To realize the full value of public data, agencies must embed evidence into the day-to-day decisions of staff at all levels.
Champion Evidence from the Top
This transformation begins with leadership. When senior officials champion data-informed strategies, they signal that facts — not politics, habits or hunches — drive agency priorities. Leaders can model this by asking data-informed questions in meetings, using dashboards to track progress, and rewarding evidence-based decision-making.
Boost Organizational Data Literacy
Next is data literacy. Too often, data is siloed within IT or evaluation teams. Building a true culture of evidence means democratizing data — empowering budget officers, program managers, field staff, and policymakers alike to understand, interpret, and act on insights. Training programs, toolkits, and internal communities of practice can help bridge knowledge gaps and spread evidence fluency across the enterprise.
Make Data Accessible and Actionable
Agencies also need the right infrastructure. Accessible, intuitive tools such as performance dashboards, interactive scorecards, and real-time reports ensure that insights reach decision-makers — not just analysts. For example, cities including Boston and Kansas City use performance platforms to track service delivery and highlight problem areas. When a trash pickup is delayed or a permit takes too long, the data sparks action.
Celebrate Wins and Learn From Setbacks
But evidence isn’t just about numbers — it’s also about learning. Agencies should celebrate when insights lead to better outcomes, such as reduced wait times or higher community engagement. At the same time, when data reveals underperformance, leaders should create space for reflection and redesign — not blame.
Foster Collaboration and Feedback
Some of the most impactful uses of evidence are happening at the intersection of agencies. Cross-sector collaborations — such as combining housing and healthcare data to prevent homelessness — are helping jurisdictions take a more holistic approach to service delivery.
Building a culture of evidence doesn’t happen overnight. It requires leadership, commitment, capacity building, and a willingness to evolve. But the return on investment is clear: more strategic decisions, stronger public trust, and improved results for communities.
Call To Action
As we move further into the age of digital governance and public accountability, now is the time for every agency, program leader, and policy analyst to commit to building a culture of evidence. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your approach, explore your agency’s learning agenda, connect with your Chief Data Officer, and seek out partnerships that bring insights to action.
Dr. Rhonda Farrell is a transformation advisor with decades of experience driving impactful change and strategic growth for DoD, IC, Joint, and commercial agencies and organizations. She has a robust background in digital transformation, organizational development, and process improvement, offering a unique perspective that combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of business dynamics. As a strategy and innovation leader, she aligns with CIO, CTO, CDO, CISO, and Chief of Staff initiatives to identify strategic gaps, realign missions, and re-engineer organizations. Based in Baltimore and a proud US Marine Corps veteran, she brings a disciplined, resilient, and mission-focused approach to her work, enabling organizations to pivot and innovate successfully.
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