Updated November 3, 2008 - Click here to download a PDF of Strategy #13

Metropolitan Boston needs to build its data capacity so that better quantitative information can be integrated into local, regional, and statewide decisions. The region should build and maintain a strong “information infrastructure,” support critical data intermediaries, align data collection and policymaking, and improve use of decision support tools.

State and local policy makers make decisions that shape the future of the region.  Unfortunately, they don’t always have the data necessary to make informed choices.  Providing policy makers with timely, accurate and up-to-date information empowers them to make sound decisions by assessing the quantitative impacts of a particular course of action.  Beyond providing for more informed decisions, accurate data allow the public to benchmark government performance and hold elected officials and policy makers accountable for their actions. Individual businesses and households also need data to make decisions: where to site a business, or buy a home, or raise a family.  Data about our residents, business, and our infrastructure are critical if we are to strategically target our limited resources.  

Several steps are needed in order to democratize information and achieve these goals. The region and the state need to create a seamless framework of data sources and services by leveraging open source standards and planning for interoperability.  A strong “information infrastructure” of consistent standards and protocols creates flexibility, saves money, and fosters collaboration across public agencies and the public.  The critical actors in this program include state and regional data intermediaries—organizations that collect, analyze, and disseminate data, and provide technical assistance to municipalities, community based organizations and students. Policymakers and the organizations involved in collecting and analyzing data should work together to ensure the necessary information is available to craft effective policy and better understand the region. Lastly, innovative tools can connect data to decision-making processes at the state and local level.