During a recent government meeting, the city of Issaquah celebrated a significant achievement: the awarding of the What Works Cities silver certification by Bloomberg Philanthropies. This recognition, received on June 17, 2024, underscores Issaquah's commitment to utilizing data-driven decision-making in local governance.

The What Works Cities certification is a prestigious accolade that sets a benchmark for excellence in data usage among municipalities. It reflects the essential practices, policies, and infrastructure that cities must implement to effectively harness the vast amounts of information available to them. Mayor Polley emphasized the importance of this certification, stating, \"values informed data, data values, driven data informed,\" highlighting the interconnectedness of values and data in decision-making processes.

Issaquah stands out as the first city with a population under 50,000—and the first under 75,000—to achieve this certification, joining a select group of 83 cities across the Americas and globally. This accomplishment comes at a time when resources are increasingly limited, and the community is demanding greater transparency regarding municipal operations and the impact of city investments.

The certification process prompted city officials to critically evaluate their decision-making strategies, ensuring that data is at the forefront of their operations. The meeting also highlighted the exceptional work of various city departments, including human services, the police department, and the arts commission, all of which have made strides in data collection, analysis, and communication.

City leaders encouraged residents to explore Issaquah's profile on the Bloomberg Philanthropies website, which showcases the city's innovative data-driven initiatives. The recognition not only reflects the city's current achievements but also sets a foundation for continued growth and improvement in local governance.