2024 Invest in What Works
State Standard of Excellence

A national benchmark – a “north star” – for how state governments invest in what works.

About the 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence

The 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence demonstrates that states are increasingly using data and evidence to produce better, more equitable results for their residents.

Read More Press Release Analysis Methodology

13 States Recognized in 2024

Minnesota
Tennessee

Colorado

Connecticut
Maryland
Michigan
North Carolina

New Jersey
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island
Utah

7

States Certified in 2024

6

States Received Honorable Mention in 2024

48

U.S. States Represented in 2024

Featured Examples by State

Hover or click on a state to learn more about where it excels in State Standard of Excellence criteria.

  • Platinum Certified
  • Gold Certified
  • Silver Certified
  • Honorable Mention

2024 Criteria

The 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence includes 12 criteria that are organized by thematic areas: Building Evidence, Using Learning, and Delivering Results. Read more about the Criteria breakdown here.

1. Evaluation Leadership

state icon

Leading Example

Tennessee

Learn more

2. Data Leadership

state icon

Leading Example

Ohio

Learn more

3. Investment in Capacity to Learn What Works

state icon

Leading Example

Tennessee

Learn more

4. Evaluation Policy and Learning

state icon

Leading Example

North Carolina

Learn more

5. Data Policy and Practices

state icon

Leading Example

Connecticut

Learn more

6. Investing in What Works through Grants and Contracts

state icon

Leading Example

Michigan

Learn more

7. Investing in What Works through Direct Services

state icon

Leading Example

Minnesota

Learn more

8. Investing in What Works through Budgeting

state icon

Leading Example

Minnesota

Learn more

9. Performance Management

state icon

Leading Example

Oregon

Learn more

10. Results-Driven Contracting

state icon

Leading Example

Colorado

Learn more

11. Community Participation

state icon

Leading Example

Maryland

Learn more

12. Identifying Key Outcomes and Tracking Progress

state icon

Leading Example

Utah

Learn more

I am proud that Minnesota has once again been recognized as a leading state for our commitment to data-driven decision making. By using data and evidence to drive decision making, we can invest in policies that achieve real results and improve the lives of all Minnesotans.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

The Volunteer State is honored to be recognized as a Platinum-Certified state by Results for America's Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence. In Tennessee, we are using evidence and data to ensure that we invest in programs that will serve Tennesseeans well.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee

One of my key priorities as Governor is making sure our state government uses its resources wisely and focuses on providing the best outcomes to support the health, happiness, and economic prosperity of all Oregonians. The Results for America recognition illustrates that Oregon continues to lead and mature in our use of data-informed decision-making and in managing for results. I look forward to seeing agencies continue to strengthen their practices to deliver valuable services to Oregonians.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek

Since Day One, our administration has been laser focused not just on our vision for making this Maryland’s decade, but on how we follow the data, invest responsibly, and serve as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I want to thank Results for America for this recognition, which speaks to the work of our entire team to deliver for Marylanders. Together, we will continue to be data-driven and heart-led in all we do.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore

New Jersey continues to invest in data across various sectors to improve lives across the state and drive innovation. I am proud that New Jersey is being recognized by the 2024 State Standard of Excellence. We will keep working with our state departments and agencies, using evidence-based practices to develop and implement effective policies as this commitment ensures New Jersey remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

Using evidence-based policy is critical to address the challenges facing our state and move North Carolina forward. I'm thankful that we have been recognized for this honor again. We will continue to do all we can to use taxpayer money responsibly and efficiently, especially as we work to recover from Hurricane Helene.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

Results for America’s analysis is based on data provided from an annual survey of state government officials, supplemented by secondary research. Results for America thanks all the state government leaders who contributed to the 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence.