Here on Data-Smart, Jane Wiseman published “Lessons from Leading CDOs: A Framework for Better Civic Analytics,” a paper outlining an operational framework for CDOs and providing observations on fostering data culture in government. The paper draws upon advice from member CDOs of the Ash Center’s Civic Analytics Network, as well as analysis from government technology and analytics experts. Critical to CDO success are support from the chief executive, the development of basic management skills, quality data stewardship, and effective prioritization of data projects. Wiseman also wrote an op-ed in Tech-Crunch echoing the paper and underscoring the value of appointing a CDO.

Also on Data-Smart, Stephen Goldsmith discussed the recent introduction of a number of new data tools for public health. Blue Cross Blue Shield recently launched its Health Index, which allows counties to compare themselves to counterparts and pinpoint major threats to public health. Cities have also worked with nonprofits to develop their own tools, such as Santa Monica, CA’s in-house health index, the Wellbeing Project, and New York City’s Data2Go.nyc, which maps a number of New York City health variables.

CNET profiled a futuristic smart apartment in Louisville that uses Internet of Things sensors to deliver data to the homeowner. Lights in the apartment change color based on the city’s air quality and a smart speaker can deliver Mayor Greg Fischer’s daily flash briefing and answer questions about things like trash pickup day. For Ed Blayney from the city’s Office of Performance Improvement and Innovation, the apartment is an example of the city’s “scrappy projects that show that we not only think about a problem, but we know how to deploy it out in the field.”

Fast Company wrote about Joonko, an application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to combat unconscious bias in the workplace. While many other applications have attempted to root out bias in the hiring process, Joonko focuses on employees’ experience after they have been hired. The AI analyzes employees’ performance and notifies managers to encourage them to offer opportunities to those who may be overlooked, and also prods employees to promote impressive results with managers and team members.

The Laura and John Arnold Foundation (LJAF) announced this week that it will continue the data-driven criminal justice effort launched under the Obama Administration. Two of the leaders of the White House Data-Driven Justice initiative, Lynn Overman and Kelly Jin, have joined LJAF to spearhead its criminal justice campaign. Data-Driven Justice focused on using data to identify individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic health problems who frequently end up in local criminal justice and health care systems, and facilitating data sharing across jurisdictions to better serve these residents. LJAF will continue this work, helping communities link their criminal justice and health care datasets and pursue more effective, less costly interventions.

Coursera—a company that offers online courses from many of the world’s best educational institutions—announced a new set of curated learning programs and certificates created in partnership with nonprofits and governments to meet their communities’ needs. Courses include an Onward to Opportunity program in Syracuse, offering training and certification to 1,200 transitioning service members; the Next Technology Leaders initiative, providing computer science, data science, and entrepreneurship courses for talented youth in Egypt; and a program in Mongolia to train educators in business and communications skills.

CityLab wrote about the efforts of New York City’s BigApps civic innovation contest to reframe its competition in order to produce more practical apps and tools. This year, the refined focus of the competition zeroed in on three of the city's underserved communities: youth, seniors, and immigrants, as well as three challenge areas: expanding transportation for these communities, easing access to important service information, and enabling people to build community resilience. The contest is also offering the winner admission into a six-month accelerator program created by Civic Hall Labs, which will provide more mentorship and more thoughtful and useful products.

The Guardian highlighted Santa Monica’s “Tinder for cities” tool called CitySwipe, which allows residents to approve or disapprove of proposed city features from their smartphones. Still in its trial stage, the application presents local residents with images of potential urban structures and allows them to swipe yes or no. The app is intended to streamline the process of civic engagement, dramatically reducing the time involved in normal feedback mechanisms like filling out lengthy mailed-out response forms or talking to volunteers on the street.

GCN discussed an algorithm that can help decision makers determine what priorities should come first in disaster situations. Called AMIGO—Algorithm with Multiple-Input Genetic Operators—the algorithm weighs available information about infrastructure, damage sustained, and repair resources available and then presents several potential recovery strategies. The principal challenge facing this tool is dis-homogeneity of data, as some utility companies are prevented by law from disclosing their data.