Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton has been awarded the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification at the Silver Level, marking a significant achievement in how the city uses data to improve operations, drive decision-making, and better serve its residents.
This recognition places Dayton among a select group of municipalities in North, Central, and South America that are setting the standard for using data to guide investments, track performance, improve services, and foster transparency.
City Manager Applauds Smarter, Faster Public Service
“Our residents feel the impact of an efficient and effective city government,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “Data helps us ensure we’re doing the right things that are driving outcomes for our community. It also allows us to communicate this impact to residents through dashboards and performance metrics. Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification shows that we are working smarter and faster, targeting investments where need is greatest and delivering measurable results for residents.”
The What Works Cities Certification reflects a city’s ability to use data meaningfully across multiple sectors. It evaluates cities on 43 key criteria and grants silver, gold, or platinum designations based on the percentage of those standards a city meets. To earn Silver status, a city must achieve between 51% and 67% of these benchmarks. Dayton’s accomplishment signifies that it has built strong foundations for using data as a strategic asset.
Innovative Emergency Response Unit Shows Data in Action
One of the most innovative and impactful examples of Dayton’s data-driven governance is the Mediation Response Unit, launched in 2021. The unit was developed as a response to recommendations from a cross-sector working group focused on police reform. Using data and community input, Dayton created a first-of-its-kind emergency response team designed to handle nonviolent 911 calls — such as noise complaints, neighbor disputes, and loitering — without involving law enforcement.
Since 2022, the Mediation Response Unit has responded to more than 7,100 calls, with 98% resolved without the need for police involvement. This not only reduces strain on the police department but also fosters peaceful community resolution. An open-access public dashboard, updated daily, allows residents and officials to monitor performance and accountability — further enhancing trust and transparency.
A Growing Movement in Smarter City Management
Launched in 2017, the What Works Cities Certification is a joint effort by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Results for America. It serves as the international standard for data excellence in local government, and any city with more than 30,000 residents in the Americas can apply.
Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of What Works Cities at Bloomberg Philanthropies, highlighted the significance of Dayton’s achievement. “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. 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.”
James Anderson, head of Bloomberg’s Government Innovation Program, added, “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. 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.”
With the Silver Certification in hand, Dayton continues to set the pace for forward-thinking public service and innovation. By integrating data into daily operations and strategic planning, the city demonstrates a deep commitment to smarter government and stronger community outcomes.
To explore more about the What Works Cities Certification and other innovative cities, visit whatworkscities.bloomberg.org.
