CitiStat is Baltimore’s accountability program that uses data to improve how city services work for residents.

The CitiStat team brings agency leaders together for in-person sessions to identify problems, remove roadblocks, and track performance. Using real-time data and consistent follow-up, the team helps agencies solve problems and deliver better results for Baltimore residents.

Mayor O’Malley instituted CitiStat in 1999 as the first of its kind to use data to enhance performance and accountability for City operations. CitiStat is guided by four tenets:  

1. Accurate and timely intelligence
2. Effective tactics and strategies
3. Rapid deployment of resources
4. Relentless follow-up and assessment

How CitiStat Works

CitiStat helps make government more effective, responsive, and aligned with the Mayor’s priorities. Through structured meetings, fieldwork, and continuous engagement, the CitiStat team:

1. Brings agencies together to review performance and service delivery data
2. Tracks key metrics to measure outcomes and identify gaps
3. Facilitates cross-agency collaboration to solve problems
4. Conducts follow-up to ensure improvements are implemented
5. Holds departments accountable for progress on key initiatives