San Jose launches first citywide data strategy

San Jose has launched its first Citywide Data Strategy–a three-year plan to improve how the city collects, manages, and uses data to deliver better services, advance equity, and support innovation.

The Californian city’s strategy is built around three pillars: Data as a Service (DaaS), Communities of Practice, and Measuring Impact. It is already being applied through projects including homelessness data consolidation and new tools for cross-department collaboration.

“‘Data as a Service’ is centred on three core pillars: technology, process, and people,” a city spokesperson told Cities Today. “The model provides staff with a self-service platform supported by centralised resources and a robust governance structure that enables real-time data sharing and collaboration between departments.”

The initial focus includes the Resident Impact Data Project, which identifies gaps in how the city collects, analyses, and applies data to improve service delivery. Alongside it, the Homelessness Data Consolidation Project is strengthening coordination between departments working to address unsheltered homelessness. Over time, the strategy will extend across all six City Service Areas, including transit, public safety, and neighbourhood services.

Anew data lake will serve as the technical foundation, while the Information Technology Department is facilitating department engagement, streamlining processes, and building staff capacity.

“IT staff also meet with departments to understand their needs, provide training to expand staff skills, promote collaboration, and provide the needed support for new tools and systems,” the spokesperson said.

The strategy is supported by the city’s involvement in the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, which offers expert coaching and resources to help cities strengthen their data practices.

“A strong data foundation matters, but it only delivers results when departments work together as one team,” the spokesperson added. “Another lesson is to start small and scale smart by involving departments that are ready to collaborate, and by starting with high-impact, low-complexity data sets first.”

New technologies are also subject to formal review processes to ensure alignment with resident privacy, public trust, and the city’s Racial Equity Action Plan.

“All new technologies go through a formal review process to protect resident data,” the spokesperson said. “This review includes an assessment for bias, reliability, privacy, and security.”

To build internal skills, Communities of Practice offer regular learning sessions and peer support across departments.

“These groups focus on practical tools and real-life projects to promote better data practices,” the spokesperson said. “Lunch and Learn sessions introduce new data concepts and tools in a casual, welcoming setting.”

The Homelessness Data Consolidation Project is one early example. “Early learnings are helping the city to improve systems, build increased collaboration among departments, and create tools that help departments work better together on complex issues,” the spokesperson said.

Image: Mike Brake | Dreamstime.com