At an event in Washington, D.C, co-hosted by the National Governors Association, Results for America named Utah as one of five Leading States that are effectively using data and evidence to improve outcomes for residents.
“In Utah, we understand how to sift through data to find key pieces of information that can make the biggest impact. Doing so has helped the state achieve a 27% improvement in performance,” said Governor Gary R. Herbert. “We appreciate Results for America for highlighting states that are working hard to become more effective and efficient stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
Utah is recognized in Results for America’s 2019 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence, which showcases data-driven, evidence-based practices, policies, programs, and systems used by state governments to invest taxpayer dollars in what works. The best-in-class state government examples provide a roadmap for how every state can use evidence and data when making budget, policy, and management decisions.
The 2019 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence features leading and promising examples from Utah in the following criteria areas:
- Strategic goals
- Data leadership
- Data use
- Evaluation Policies
- Evidence Definition and Program Inventory
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Innovation
“We are proud to recognize states like Utah that are using evidence and data to get better results for their residents,” said Michele Jolin, CEO and Co-Founder of Results for America. “The State Standard of Excellence showcases how governors and state agency leaders are increasingly investing in what works to increase economic mobility and improve outcomes for children, families and communities.”
“Everything we do in Utah state government is focused on achieving a triple win, which is a win for taxpayers, customers and employees,” said Kristen Cox, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. “We use the right data and evidence as a tool to help us achieve ambitious targets and create more value for every tax dollar invested.”
In the 2019 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence, Results for America identified 125 leading and promising practices, policies, programs, and systems for using evidence and data that were in effect as of June 2019 in 33 state governments. Results for America identified five states leading the way with their use of evidence and data: Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Results for America consulted with more than 150 current and former state officials who contributed their expertise. Results for America’s mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that when policymakers make decisions, they start by seeking the best evidence and data available, then use what they find to get better results.
