The 2023 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence showcases 194 efforts across 46 states – led by Governors, state legislators, and state agency leaders of both parties – to build and use evidence and data to improve residents’ lives.
This year’s State Standard of Excellence recognizes five Leading States — Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee — and five Honorable Mention States — California, Connecticut, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Utah — for their exemplary building and use of evidence and data to guide decision-making and invest taxpayer dollars in what works.
The Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence (State Standard of Excellence) sets a national standard – a “north star” – for how state governments can consistently and effectively use evidence and data in budget, policy, and management decisions to achieve better, more equitable outcomes for their residents.