What Works Cities highlights practical AI in cities

Cities that treat data and analytics as a core organisational capability rather than a specialist function are showing stronger links between evidence, governance and resident outcomes, according to the latest What Works Cities Certification cohort announced by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The January announcement sees Cambridge and Glendale achieve Platinum Certification, the programme’s highest distinction, reflecting sustained, citywide integration of data practices. Several large and innovation-focused cities also advanced or sustained certification, including Dallas, Philadelphia and Ottawa.

“Platinum Certification is the highest distinction because it reflects that a city has embedded data practices into every corner of city hall, beyond a few strong projects, consistently tying analytic insights to tangible resident outcomes,” Rochelle Haynes (pictured), Managing Director, What Works Cities, Results for America, told Cities Today. “Achieving this level requires strong executive commitment and leadership, and years of work by city staff to build a sustained, citywide data-driven culture through policies, processes and practices that ensure analytics is part of everyday governance.”

In Cambridge, data has underpinned the launch of a universal preschool programme, with more than 790 children enrolled since 2024. Glendale, meanwhile, has embedded performance management into its budgeting and strategic planning processes, requiring every department to conduct annual evaluations linked to citywide priorities such as blight reduction and climate resilience.

Beyond the Platinum cities, the cohort highlights how larger municipalities are applying advanced analytics and artificial intelligence in focused, operational ways rather than through standalone AI strategies.

Dallas, which achieved Gold Certification, is expanding its use of AI across city services, including fire risk modelling, human trafficking detection and code compliance automation. Planned deployments include AI-powered cameras and drones to monitor parks and trails, identifying flooding, debris and disruptive behaviour in real time.

In Ottawa, advanced analytics are being applied through a citywide digital twin that integrates multiple datasets into a 3D planning environment. The tool is accelerating approvals for housing and infrastructure while enabling residents to visualise development impacts and collaborate more effectively with planners.

AI is also being used in more discrete analytical contexts. Newport News applied AI to better understand tourism trends and visitor behaviour, enabling the city to design targeted campaigns and measure economic impact. While focused on tourism, the approach reflects a broader theme across the cohort: AI is being deployed where performance can be measured, risks are bounded and accountability is clear.

Applying analytics in areas such as public safety and mental health raises the stakes for governance, transparency and outcome tracking. The certification materials position these practices as essential to maintaining public trust, with several cities publishing dashboards, reviewing results regularly and using evidence to refine programmes.

“Cities often lose momentum when Certification is treated as a final step or when data use is confined to a small team rather than integrated into departments’ day-to-day work,” the Bloomberg Philanthropies spokesperson said. “The cities that continue to improve are the ones that build repeatable processes, review results regularly and keep accountability at the centre, so data and new technologies remain clearly connected to better outcomes for residents.”

Image: Results for America