Measuring Performance in Washington State
| What do we measure? |
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Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) is the program that helps Washington state agencies measure and improve their performance. GMAP is modeled after two successful programs in major American cities – CompStat in New York City, and CitiStat in Baltimore, Md. CompStat was initiated to improve law enforcement, and CitiStat was begun to improve municipal services.
Washington State was the first state in the nation to adapt these data-based management models to improve the results of statewide programs and services. Part of this innovation was the creation of multi-agency teams to focus on over-arching goals, such as improved business services and government efficiency, that require new and improved levels of collaboration and coordination.
How does GMAP work?
- The Governor and her leadership team hold regular, public meetings where agency directors report in person on the most important management and policy challenges they face in achieving results. The meetings are organized around the Governor’s highest priorities – including public safety, economic vitality, and the protection of vulnerable children – to hold the leaders of multiple agencies accountable for their agencies’ results and for initiatives that require the collaboration of multiple organizations.
- The discussions are candid and direct, and the concept of “business as usual” is never automatically accepted. Decisions are based on analysis of data and evidence about what strategies work best. Agencies are held accountable to follow-up and report back on outstanding issues.
- GMAP gives the Governor and the public a clear, concise view of how government programs are working and whether citizens are receiving value for their tax dollars.