Denver Awarded What Works Cities Cert. for Exceptional Use of Data

Denver Awarded What Works Cities Cert. for Exceptional Use of Data

Published on January 16, 2026

Denver Technology Services is proud to announce that Results for America has awarded Denver Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification for establishing exceptional data capabilities to inform policy, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate programs, and engage residents. The What Works Cities Certification standard reflects the practices, policies, and infrastructure municipalities must have in place to effectively harness data for better decision-making.

"Whether it's helping a resident find answers, guiding a small business or supporting a family in need, our city teams are working every day to make life a little easier for Denverites," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification is a powerful reminder that when we stay focused on the lives behind the numbers, we can deliver services that are faster, smarter and truly built for everyone who calls Denver home."

The What Works Cities Certification program, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by Results for America, is the international standard of data excellence in city governance. The Standard measures a city's use of data based on 43 criteria. A city that achieves 51-67% of the 43 criteria is recognized at the Silver level of Certification, 68-84% is required to achieve Gold, and 85% or more is required to reach Platinum. The program is open to any city in North, Central, or South America with a population of 30,000 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. While Certified cities are investing in their data capacity to solve today's issues, they are also building sustainable practices that set the stage for a more resilient and innovative future."

"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," said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. "This work is helping reform-minded mayors across the Americas bring their organizations into the 21st century. 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."

To learn more about the What Works Cities Certification visit whatworkscities.bloomberg.org.

• Press release
• Technology Services