The Department of Management and Budget created a Countywide Data Analytics (CDA) division to manage and improve how data is used across Fairfax County. The CDA’s goal is to make data easier to use and understand, so it can better support decisions and improve services. To do this, the CDA works to improve access to data, ensure its quality, and help people use it effectively.

The main jobs of the CDA are to:

• Make data easier to access.
• Provide useful information that can guide decisions.
• Improve how data is analyzed, broken down, and shared to help people better understand it and make informed decisions that improve services for the community.

A successful data analytics program requires several key components, such as data governance, tools for regular data management and analysis, and strong technology systems to support this work.

The CDA helps build these components by creating policies, practices, and data tools. These are connected under one system to keep everything coordinated and consistent across the county.

This system relies on teamwork and planning at different levels. It uses a two-tier approach with the Data Analytics Governance Council and the Data Analytics Advisory Group:

• The Data Analytics Governance Council is a leadership group that gives overall direction and helps different parts of the county work together.
• The Data Analytics Advisory Group provides expert advice and suggestions that are shared with the Governance Council to guide decisions.