City of Ottawa recognized by Bloomberg Philanthropies for exceptional data practices

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa has been awarded Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification at the gold level for establishing exceptional data capabilities to inform policy, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate programs and engage residents. Ottawa and Calgary are the only two Canadian cities to have achieved gold certification.

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.

A notable example of Ottawa’s exceptional use of data is its digital twin — not simply a 3D map, but an intelligent platform that integrates planning policy and infrastructure to accelerate housing development. As the City works to ensure every resident has access to a safe and affordable home, the digital twin helps speed up approvals by integrating multiple data sources to show how proposed developments align with neighbourhoods, zoning and the Ontario Building Code. It also helps residents visualize new projects and better collaborate to shape the future of their communities. With this technology, Ottawa is better positioned to deliver thousands of new affordable homes.

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 to 67 per cent of the 43 criteria is recognized at the Silver level of Certification, 68 to 84 per cent is required to achieve Gold, and 85 per cent 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.

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

Bloomberg Philanthropies and What Works Cities Certification

The What Works Cities Certification program, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by Results for America, is the first-of-its-kind standard of excellence for data-informed, well-managed local government. What Works Cities Certification recognizes and celebrates local governments for their exceptional use of data to inform policy decisions, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and engage residents.

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X. 

About Results for America

Results for America is helping decision-makers at all levels of government harness evidence and data to make progress on our greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that when policymakers make decisions, they start by seeking the best evidence and data available, then use what they find to get better results. For more information, visit results4america.org.

Quotes

“This recognition matters because it reflects how we show up for residents every day. Using data well means making smarter decisions, spending public dollars responsibly, and being clear about what’s working. It helps us move faster on priorities like housing, homelessness, and building stronger neighbourhoods. Tools like our digital twin are not about technology for its own sake. They help speed up approvals, improve transparency, and give residents a clearer picture of how their city is growing. Being one of only two Canadian cities to achieve Gold certification shows that Ottawa is focused on results, accountability, and real progress for the people who live here.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

“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. 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.”

Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities.

“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. 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.”

James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Media Contacts

City of Ottawa: medias@ottawa.ca

Results for America: Cheryl Burnett, cheryl@results4america.org

Bloomberg Philanthropies: Amanda Konstam, Amanda@bloomberg.org