Updated December 2, 2008 - Click here to download a PDF version of this strategy.

In order to develop a coordinated and proactive approach to development, Metro Boston needs greater capacity to use data and information at the local, regional, and state level.  Coordinated planning, efficient infrastructure investments, and successful development policies all require access to pertinent, accurate, and timely data.  Expanded access to information will also help residents and other stakeholders to participate more fully and more effectively in planning efforts.  A more comprehensive understanding of regional conditions is necessary to assess progress toward MetroFuture objectives and to support advocacy and organizing around implementation.  The first step in capacity building is to align data collection and research to support key policy issues.  Ensuring access to and utility of data will require a strong “information infrastructure” (both technical and institutional) and support for the widespread application of advanced tools to support stakeholder engagement.

Currently, decision-makers and stakeholders do not have timely access to the data they need.  Many public agencies maintain databases rich with information, but do not make it available to other agencies or the public due to a variety of concerns related to security, technology, or bureaucracy.  Where they are available, data sets often cannot be compared or cross-referenced because common indexes do not exist.  More significantly, critical data on pressing policy issues are simply not available because the information is not collected consistently.

Metro Boston is well-positioned to pilot a new approach to regional data collection that can overcome these obstacles.  Local, regional, and state actors can act now to create a “federated” system of data sources and services.  A strong framework of consistent standards and protocols would create flexibility, save money, enhance access, and foster collaboration across state agencies and the public.

This new approach will require several steps. Policymakers and the organizations involved in collecting and analyzing data should work together to ensure the necessary information is available to craft effective policy and better understand the region. To connect information to decisions and support civic engagement, investments should be made to improve state and local capacity to utilize planning and decision support tools. State and regional data intermediaries—organizations that collect, analyze, and disseminate data, will need both new strategies and new resources. Finally, these intermediaries should take strategic steps to build and maintain a comprehensive information infrastructure.