Jan 27, 2021 Asheville, N.C., is powering up its Office of Data and Performance, a new initiative to increase transparency and provide data-driven accountability. The city established the office in December to support a results-based, data-driven approach to city programs and to deliver clear communication about program goals, processes and performance. The office will be organized as a cross-departmental team, consisting of staff working in budgeting, community engagement, equity, GIS and law enforcement. The initiative will be managed by the IT Services Department and staffed by three IT open data employees. The office’s initial goals are to help understand the impacts of city services and projects, establish baselines and benchmarks for improvement and to monitor performance and identify issues and respond proactively.