Ohio

Since 2018, the InnovateOhio Data Analytics Program has connected dozens of state agencies with external researchers to deliver multiple policy informing analytics projects through secured project zones – including infant mortality, early childhood analytics, and healing communities. The DataOhio Portal not only provides results of research projects but provides public datasets as another means for providing researchers access to Ohio’s data.

The InnovateOhio Platform (IOP), launched in 2019 by Governor Mike DeWine’s Executive Order 2019-15D, features a set of core principles which emphasize data’s role as a shared strategic asset. The foundation was set forth in Ohio Revised Code 125.32 – Enterprise Data Management and Analytics Program. It facilitated standardized Data Use Agreements for efficient data sharing and established enterprise Data Governance policies. All IOP projects operate under legally binding agreements ensuring data ownership and decision-making by agencies. Currently, IOP Data Analytics holds over 332 datasets from 31 agencies for collaborative use, including the Ohio Longitudinal Data Archive (OLDA). OLDA has been an established partnership between state education, workforce, and vocational rehabilitation agencies. More than 175 projects have been completed. In 2023, IOP Data Analytics enhanced data governance dashboards to be mobile friendly, launched an enterprise data catalog for efficient discovery, and deployed a data quality tool for thorough analysis.

Beginning in 2020, Ohio utilized a tiered evidence-based approach, combining criteria from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse, for the Ohio Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant program. Funding prioritized Strong or Moderate evidence-based strategies. Applicants were encouraged to prioritize subgrants for high-needs areas, including those serving low-income families or high-needs schools.

Ohio’s Help Me Grow program promotes early prenatal and well-baby care, parenting education, and reduces infant mortality. Ohio’s current budget allocates $101.5 million for evidence-based home visiting, benefiting 17,950 families, aiming for 86.4% prenatal home visit enrollment. The Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism administers the State AmeriCorps grant program which prioritizes programs with an evidence base.

Ohio prioritized reducing infant mortality rates using the InnovateOhio Platform (IOP) to enhance predictive profiling models. Over 30 datasets were securely linked to identify at-risk individuals and design targeted interventions. In 2023, $300,000 was invested in data-informed models. In 2024, Ohio allocated funds to evidence-based programs like Healthy Beginnings at Home ($3,000,000) and Infant Vitality ($15,361,000). Ohio partnered with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, investing $16 million annually from 2022 to 2025, promoting literacy by providing monthly books to children under five. Local studies highlight positive impacts, including improved Kindergarten Readiness Assessments.

Ohio’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget guidance requires agencies to provide detailed information on program effectiveness as part Results-Focused Budgeting. Agencies must submit logic models, output and outcome measures, and evidence for new or expanding programs. Results-focused information provided in the agency budget requests informs discussions that build the Governor’s executive budget proposal and the testimony before the legislature in support of the budget. Training was provided to facilitate adoption of Results-Focused Budgeting. OBM now requires quarterly reporting and development of results-focused dashboards for priority programs. These dashboards will track progress toward long-term goals and focus on demonstrating results and ROI.

LeanOhio spearheads performance improvement efforts in Ohio, with over 400 projects across 45 agencies since 2011. They’ve trained 1,000 agency-embedded employees and formed the LeanOhio Network of 70 Black Belts and 200 Green Belts, ensuring project management and outcomes. The network includes individuals tapped as agency Lean Liaisons that coordinate Lean efforts and serve as our direct link to the enterprise. Results-focused dashboards by the Office of Budget and Management offer accountability and support decision-making. Ohio’s varied administrative structures necessitate tailored performance management approaches. The Ohio Department of Health uses Results Based Accountability (RBA) and the Clear Impact Scorecard. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) conducts executive performance management reviews of their Management Statistics and Reports for Disability Determination and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. The Department of Health, Department of Job and Family Services, Department of Aging and the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation have each recently contracted with the Center for Results-Focused Leadership to develop PerformanceStat systems to address organizational challenges

ResultsOHIO is an infrastructure within the Treasurer’s office that enables policymakers and innovators to pursue pay for success (PFS) projects aimed at tackling the most pressing social and public health challenges facing Ohio. During and following completion of a ResultsOHIO project, a third-party evaluator gathers and reports performance data assessing the outcome metrics of a project.

The state utilizes a Major Project Governance Policy to provide all state agencies with guidance and resources to actively manage contracts and utilize data and contract procurement and management resources. Contracted projects meeting specific criteria must complete certain agency work products during the project process and coordinate with the Major Project Governance (MPG) Office. Agencies complete a baseline for key performance indicators (KPIs) and measures of success. These KPIs and measures are tracked post-implementation to determine if the project goals and benefits are achieved. The post-implementation measures are collected on a quarterly basis via the Value Reporting Portal.

On his first day in office, Governor DeWine signed an executive order creating the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council to ensure that the state’s work to address the public health crisis improves the health and wellness of all Ohio citizens.

Ohio’s four Local Development Districts and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia collaborate and partner with local organizations, agencies, and individuals working to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens in Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region. They act as liaisons to connect people and resources.