HomeMy WebLinkAboutDS Proclamation in Recognition of Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification
WHEREAS, a growing movement of cities and city leaders are using data and evidence
to more equitably deliver services and solve problems, invest public dollars
in programs that work, increase transparency, and improve the lives of
residents; and
WHEREAS, Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification is an
international initiative, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and
led by Results for America, that helps cities adopt foundational data
practices, develop data skills throughout city staff, and put in place critical
data infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, Digital Service and Open Government completed the What Works
Cities Certification Assessment to benchmark its data practices and to
develop a roadmap for building the infrastructure, skills, and culture
needed to effectively use data and evidence to deliver better outcomes for
its citizens; and
WHEREAS, in completing the Assessment, the City of San Rafael joined an international
community of cities growing their data practices and sharing innovative
ideas for adopting and scaling data-driven approaches to pressing
challenges and government operations; and
WHEREAS, in the past 4 years, the City of San Rafael has made measurable progress in
its foundational data practices, including open data, performance
measurement, and a data-driven approach to address critical challenges,
such as homelessness and mental health; and
WHEREAS, What Works Cities Certification evaluates, recognizes, and celebrates cities
for their exceptional use of data to inform policy decisions, allocate funding,
improve services, evaluate program effectiveness, and engage their
residents; and
WHEREAS, What Works Cities Certification is contingent on connecting data directly to
quality of life.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby
proudly announce that the City of San Rafael has met the What Works Cities Certification’s
Standard of Excellence for data-driven local government and achieved 2025 What Works Cities
Silver Certification.
Kate Colin
Mayor