StatGPT
StatGPT
StatGPT is a next-generation approach to city performance management that transforms existing performance programs by injecting generative AI to put the power of data analysis in the hands of every city employee, not just senior officials and specialist analysts.
The concept was first developed by Stephen Goldsmith in 2023, and was shaped by a 2025 convening of 14 cities at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard. Below are white papers, articles, and podcasts that lay out the framework, explain the core importance of StatGPT, and explore real-world applications already underway.
Transforming City Operations with StatGPT
Cities today face mounting pressure to deliver more effective services using fewer resources. To meet these challenges, performance management systems must evolve. This paper proposes “StatGPT,” a next-generation, technology-enabled approach that builds on the successes of traditional Stat models by injecting them with modern artificial intelligence (AI) and data capabilities.
Dive deeper with other resources
Explore a variety of other resources, including episode 78 "StatGPT: The Future of City Performance" and reflections on the in-person workshop at the Harvard Kennedy School in the article "Stat, Meet AI: The Next Evolution of Performance Management."
Additionally, we invite you to download and use our "Enacting StatGPT" workbook, which outlines the initial steps for transitioning from traditional performance management toward SatGPT and explains how to develop specific, high-potential prototypes.
