Information

Advances in information technology offer the promise of propelling every organization into the future. To evaluate state performance in the Information category, the Government Performance Project team examined how well state officials deploy  technology and the information it produces to measure the resource effectiveness and results produced by state programs, make budget and other management decisions, and communicate with one another as well as with the public. Around the world and across the nation, growing demands for public sector transparency and for public access to services 24/7 are spurring a new level of creativity in meeting citizens’ legitimate needs, as well as improving internal business processes.

Grades in the Information category in 2008 ranged between As in five states (Michigan, Missouri, Utah, Virginia, and Washington) and D+s in New Hampshire and South Dakota. The national average among the 50 states for the Information category was B-, and 13 states received that grade. Fifteen states earned grades above the national average (i.e., grades of B and above), and 22 states received grades below the national average (i.e., C+ and below).

This year’s study uncovered a number of promising new practices in engaging the public, streamlining business processes, and improving the quality and utility of the information upon which state leaders make policy and program decisions.

50 State Information Summary 

More information available at www.GOVERNING.com