Strengthening Analytics in Government Agencies: A Toolkit for Sustainable Data Use

This toolkit was created to help agencies build the culture and infrastructure needed to apply data analysis routinely, effectively, and accurately— referred to in this publication as “sustainable data use.” While qualitative and survey data have tremendous value for program evaluation and improvement, the scope of this toolkit focuses on the use of quantitative administrative data. The toolkit offers strategies and tools for individuals in government agencies and other organizations with similar needs. The material was sourced from interviews with practitioners who have successfully built sustainable data use into their everyday practices. It covers a variety of subjects— from staffing and technology to collaboration and funding—that can impact the longevity of analytics work in the public sector. While the toolkit was developed with state TANF agencies in mind, many of the techniques offered here may also be useful for individuals in a range of government agencies and other organizations, where the challenges—and potential for impact—are similar.