#United States #Arlington #Coleridge Initiative #Data-Driven Policy #Arlington VA

Coleridge Initiative's 5th Annual National Convening: A Focus on Data-Driven Policy for Public Good

The Coleridge Initiative held its fifth Annual National Convening from March 26-28 in Arlington, Virginia, gathering nearly 300 prominent data scientists, policy experts, and thought leaders. This year's theme, "Empower Collaboration, Unlock Innovation, and Drive Impact," emphasized the significant role of administrative data in public policy development.

A Call for Data-Driven Policy

Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, the President and CEO of the Coleridge Initiative, opened the event by emphasizing that there has never been a more critical time for accessible and secure data. He stated that leveraging data infrastructure can drive impactful public policies that improve everyday lives.

In his keynote speech, Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's, highlighted the urgent need for data-driven approaches, especially amid governmental budget cuts and workforce shortages. Zandi pointed out that the quality of traditional data sources is diminishing, making it increasingly difficult for policymakers to rely on them. "Data is critical to understanding what is going on and how we respond," he noted, stressing the importance of innovative data solutions.

Building a National Data Ecosystem

During the convening, Yildirmaz celebrated the organization's growth over the past five years, mentioning that they are not only building a platform but also working to create a national data ecosystem where various datasets and agencies collaborate effectively.

Attendees engaged in a rich dialogue focused on partnerships between the public and private sectors to derive innovative data solutions that can address societal challenges. Key topics discussed included:

• - Promoting collaboration across public and private sectors
• - Innovations in data to enhance access and opportunities in higher education
• - Responsible uses of AI with state and federal data
• - Best practices for data governance and sharing
• - Real-world outcomes from the Multi-State Data Collaborative (MSDC)

Recognizing Excellence in Data Leadership

A notable highlight of the convening was the presentation of the Data Champion of the Year Award to Robert McGough, Chief Data Officer for the state of Arkansas. McGough was recognized for his exceptional leadership in public sector data-driven innovation. He expressed gratitude for the award and shared insights on how Arkansas is digitally transforming education and workforce development.

"The Coleridge Initiative has been a critical ally in Arkansas' efforts to harness data effectively, and I'm excited about our new projects aimed at benefiting not just Arkansas, but others as well," McGough affirmed.

The Role of the Coleridge Initiative

The Coleridge Initiative is dedicated to enhancing the use of data in public decision-making. The nonprofit works closely with government entities to promote collaboration and develop technologies through secure data sharing. Their Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), a FedRAMP-authorized cloud platform, allows government agencies to connect and utilize their longitudinal data efficiently.

The significance of the discussions and partnerships formed during this convening cannot be understated. With the growing necessity of data in informing policies, the Coleridge Initiative stands at the forefront, ensuring that data remains a focus for enhancing public welfare.

To learn more about the initiatives and services provided by the Coleridge Initiative, individuals and organizations can visit their official website at www.coleridgeinitiative.org.