Developing and Applying Analytic Capabilities in Major American Cities

Abstract

Carefully conducted analyses are prepared regularly by and for U.S. municipalities providing important information on a range of issues facing these governments. A review of selected examples, along with information on the qualifications and training of beginning analysts in 50 large municipalities, suggests that much of the analysis in the field relies heavily on the application of management science techniques and basic descriptive statistics. Less evidence points toward the extensive use of intermediate or advanced social science statistics, despite the potential applicability of these tools and their prominence in graduate curricula.