Snapshot Policy Snapshot: Evidence-Informed Policymaking

Standardizing evidence-informed policymaking terms can promote transparency and provide a common framework for making decisions. States define terms in legislation and in evidence frameworks and scales.

Some states build capacity for evidence-informed policymaking by establishing offices of evaluation or impact and developing new positions, such as chief data or performance officers. States also expand access to and use of state-specific data by developing data sharing protocols across agencies, creating data dashboards and building staff and policymaker skills in using data to make decisions.

The National Association of State Budget Officers reports that 46 states collect agency or program measures to monitor performance, track progress on meeting goals and objectives and inform budget decisions. Performance measures are often communicated to decision-makers and the public through tools such as report cards and dashboards.

Evaluating state programs and policies can help to ensure that funds are directed at effective approaches. States complete program evaluations in-house, using the expertise of legislative program evaluators and auditors or offices of evaluation, and by collaborating with universities and other research organizations.

States develop internal and external partnerships to support the implementation and sustainability of evidence-informed policymaking strategies. Cross-branch collaboration allows states to build common language and procedures, as well as set shared priorities and goals. External partnerships with universities, research institutions or nonprofit organizations offer resources that may include policy-specific knowledge and expertise, data analysis, and funding for program evaluations or data system construction.

Colorado created standardized definitions of evidence terms in statute that describe the quality of available research evidence supporting a program’s effectiveness. These evidence designations, which are included in agency budget requests, are designed to help the legislature prioritize programs and practices for funding.

Indiana established the Management Performance Hub (MPH) through 2017 legislation to facilitate data sharing and support data-driven decision-making across state government. As part of that effort, MPH maintains data dashboards and portals, and provides data proficiency training for state employees.

The New Mexico Accountability in Government Act embeds the collection and reporting of performance information throughout the state budget process. As part of its Legislating for Results Framework, the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee developed an agency report card dashboard to track agency performance on a quarterly basis.

The Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services was established in 2019 to advise the governor and legislature on the evaluation of state services, including evidence-based policymaking. At the direction of the commission’s members, commission staff conduct studies and evaluations in areas ranging from public health to criminal justice.

In Utah, both the executive and legislative branches play a role in the development and reporting of performance measures. As set out in statute, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst work collaboratively to review and approve agency performance measures and develop a performance measurement system. The offices have also partnered to create a Performance Measurement Playbook that provides guidance and best practices for agencies.