The city of San Jose, Calif., has launched its first-ever Citywide Data Strategy with the goal of providing quality, equitable services for all residents and businesses through data-driven solutions.
The city’s Information Technology Department developed the three-year plan, which outlines a step-by-step approach to modernizing data use across the city. The strategy supports the responsible use of emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence – and has a strong focus on privacy, equity, and collaboration between city departments.
“This strategy helps us do what matters most – better serve our community,” City Manager Jennifer Maguire said in a June 5 press release. “By using data more effectively, we have more impactful discussions with our residents, respond faster to their needs, and make decisions that lead to real, measurable outcomes in every neighborhood.”
San Jose developed the strategy as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, which helps educate mayors and cities on how to leverage data to inform decisions and improve results for residents.
The data strategy is anchored in three core principles: developing data as a service (DaaS), fostering communities of practice, and measuring impact.
The city hopes the strategy will help to solve key issues such as unsheltered homelessness or pedestrian safety.
“San Jose is building the digital foundation for the future of local government,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Thanks to the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, we’re turning data into action to better serve every resident.”
“This strategy moves us from working in silos to working smarter – together,” added Khaled Tawfik, chief information officer and the director of San Jose’s Information Technology Department. “By strengthening our data infrastructure and training staff across the organization, we can approach challenges with a holistic perspective, enabling more measurable, nimble, innovative, and accountable operations that directly enhance how services are delivered to our residents.”
