Rochelle Haynes

Social Impact, Strategic Planning, Public Policy & Government Affairs Professional

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

A key feature that makes the What Works Cities Network special is the unique expertise city leaders bring to the table, and that was on full display at @TomorrowCityUSA.

What Works Cities leaders drove conversations on AI, the public sector workforce, community engagement and more. They shared practical insights and timely examples from their firsthand experiences putting data to work every day.

Events like @TomorrowCityUSA reinforce that building more effective, responsive local government is a shared effort that depends on city leaders learning from one another.

Thank you for joining us,
• @CityofMiami Chief Data Officer Cheriene Floyd
• @BaltCityHall Chief Data Officer Dartanion Williams
• @CityRochesterNY Senior Data Analyst Na Liu
• @cityofsavannah Organizational Excellence & Leadership Officer Dr. Jennifer Blalock

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

Thank you @BloombergDotOrg for supporting hundreds of cities as they invest in the data practices that lead to stronger communities.

[philip lewis @Phil_Lewis_]

The Pentagon has begun releasing new files on UFOs, saying members of the public can draw their own conclusions on "unidentified anomalous phenomena" https://t.co/mo2V4VHhay

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

What’s the difference between proactive cities and reactive cities?

Data.

“If we're going to ever have sustainable cities, we have to be ahead of the game,” Mayor @DeanTrantalis Trantalis said during our panel at @TomorrowCityUSA.

Senior Vice President and Managing Director @RVHaynes led the conversation as city leaders shared how data helps local governments go from reactive management to proactively anticipating future needs. Whether it’s emergency response, city planning or climate resilience, data-driven decision-making is propelling priorities in Fort Lauderdale, Glendale, Ottawa and Tempe.

Thank you to all of the city staff and leadership who joined us for two days of connection and learning. Special thank you to our panelists:

• Mayor Trantalis of @FTLCityNews
• Mayor @coreywoodstempe of @Tempegov
• Assistant City Manager Vicki Rios of @GlendaleAZ
• Randal Rodger, Program Manager, Geospatial Analytics, Technology & Solutions, of @ottawacity

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

On 2/24, join leaders from Certified @AlcaldiaDeCali, @CityofDetroit and @MunicipioQuito for a conversation on how cities use data to design smarter and more effective public safety programs.

Learn more: https://t.co/z5EM95af67

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

This week, What Works Cities SVP and Managing Director @RVHaynes joined @PhillyMayor Cherelle Parker in @PhiladelphiaGov and Mayor @andresayeghNJ in @CityPatersonNJ to celebrate their Certification milestones.

From Philadelphia’s housing supply strategy to Paterson’s launch of DataRise Paterson, both of these cities’ commitment to data-driven management and innovation shows what good government looks like in action.

Congratulations to Gold-Certified Philadelphia and Silver-Certified Paterson!

Learn how other Certified cities are turning data into results: https://t.co/lEtSKRsTNP

📷 Photo 2: Courtesy City of Philadelphia

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

“If there’s one issue uniting cities across the Americas in 2026, it’s the need to build more housing.”

Senior Vice President and Managing Director @RVHaynes outlines how cities can address housing affordability challenges through the strategic use of data and AI in her annual letter.

“Leveraging data and increasingly, the use of artificial intelligence, are critical enablers of progress,” she explains. “Certified cities are demonstrating what that means.”

From Edmonton’s AI-powered permit reviews to Buenos Aires’ 3D zoning maps and more, city governments prove that strong data and operational excellence can unlock housing supply.

At What Works Cities, we’ll be tracking how local governments use data and AI to drive housing innovation in 2026 and helping leaders in our network supercharge their efforts.

Learn practical lessons and best practices by reading Rochelle’s letter here:
https://t.co/taed13MRpI

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

@CityPatersonNJ's Certification journey is a story of sustained commitment.

In 2018, Paterson first took the What Works Cities Assessment to benchmark their data practices and achieved Silver Certification for the first time in 2021. Today that energy and commitment to data is continuing to drive progress in Paterson — after we updated our criteria and increased Certification requirements in 2022, Paterson stepped up once again, re-Certifying at the Silver level.

“[Paterson’s] work demonstrates how innovation, data and partnerships can come together to tackle persistent challenges on the ground, but most importantly improve quality of life in your city,” said @RVHaynes, What Works Cities SVP and Managing Director. “This is exactly the type of commitment to data and innovation that What Works Cities recognizes.”

Rochelle and Mayor @andresayeghNJ shared more about Paterson’s data journey at a press conference recognizing the City’s 2025 Silver Certification.

Watch it here: https://t.co/DvJz5UWMlP

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

Today, What Works Cities SVP and Managing Director @RVHaynes joined @PhillyMayor Cherelle L. Parker to celebrate @PhiladelphiaGov's Gold Certification.

Philadelphia was one of the first cities to achieve WWC Certification, and in 2025 the city leveled up from Silver to Gold Certification.

From efforts to increase affordable housing to boosting collaboration across departments, the City of Brotherly Love shows what’s possible when cities lead with data.

"This recognition underscores our continued commitment to making values-based, data-driven decisions that enhance the quality of life for all of our residents," said Mayor Parker.

Learn about Philadelphia’s data success: https://t.co/rYPPFId0AS

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

Join What Works Cities Senior Vice President & Managing Director Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes at the 2026 Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting.

Each year @usmayors brings together local leaders to tackle today’s most pressing urban challenges — from housing to infrastructure to community safety and more.

Rochelle will participate in this week’s convening in D.C., representing our mission to elevate the role of data and evidence in local government.

We’re proud to support cities that are stepping up to lead with transparency, accountability, and impact.

If you see Rochelle, come say hi and learn more about What Works Cities, or book an appointment to meet her at [email protected]

#WhatWorksCities #USCM2026

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

@estebanallasino @MuniLujanDeCuyo @BloombergDotOrg @WhatWorksCities Felicidades @estebanallasino ! We are thrilled to celebrate @MuniLujanDeCuyo Gold Certification!

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

Congratulations @CambMA on Platinum Certification! 🏅This achievement is truly a testament to your dedication to driving results for lasting change in your community and for your residents. We are proud to have you in the @WhatWorksCities network.

[City of Cambridge @CambMA]

🎉🏆 Cambridge leaders and staff are thrilled to announce the City has earned a @WhatWorksCities Platinum Certification from @BloombergDotOrg, achieving the highest standard of data excellence in city governance!

Read more: https://t.co/uQaHtelvpY #CambMA

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

Felicidades @MuniLujanDeCuyo on Gold @WhatWorksCities Certification! Thank you for your commitment to strengthening the resident experience by leveraging data to drive real results.

[Luján de Cuyo @MuniLujanDeCuyo]

Nos enorgullece anunciar que obtuvimos la certificación nivel ORO de
@BloombergDotOrg @WhatWorksCities, que reconoce nuestro compromiso con el
fortalecimiento de
nuestra comunidad mediante el uso de datos y evidencia 🙌.

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

Congratulations @GlendaleAZ on Platinum Certification! This is a testament to your commitment to your residents to lead with data, evidence and intention. We are thrilled to have you in the @WhatWorksCities network!

[City of Glendale, AZ @GlendaleAZ]

We are proud to announce that Glendale has achieved Platinum Certification from @BloombergDotOrg @WhatWorksCities, recognizing our commitment to strengthening our community through the use of data and evidence.

Learn more at: https://t.co/c6i1nRgDh6

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

I am proud to celebrate a new cohort of @BloombergDotOrg @WhatWorksCities Certified cities! These cities across the Americas bring their innovation and data expertise to where it matters most: their communities and residents.

https://t.co/DTsXxHKw9j

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

Data drives better results for residents, and @BloombergDotOrg What Works Cities Certification sets the international standard for data-driven governance.

Today, we’re thrilled to share that 32 cities have achieved Certification, including 13 new cities who joined our network of 100+ Certified cities and 19 cities that leveled up or re-Certified.

From tracking the spread of dengue fever to increasing museum access to expanding housing, we’re proud to help these cities use data to strengthen their communities. https://t.co/ooo7mCJMpM

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

At the AI Summit New York, WWC Managing Director @RVHaynes and @CityofSeattle's @CivicCIO explored how cities are using AI to move faster and smarter during emergencies.

Rob and Rochelle discussed challenges such as homelessness and public safety, emphasized the need for real-time information sharing and highlighted how AI can enhance disaster management through improved data analytics and community engagement.

Thank you, Rob, for sharing your expertise.

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

Thank you @DataSmartCitie & @GoldsmithOnGov for the opportunity to share how cities in the @WhatWorksCities network are leveraging AI. I appreciated the shared thought leadership & collective aspirations for how this could be the moment to truly transform local governance.

[Data-Smart Cities @DataSmartCities]

🎧 In our latest #DataSmartCityPod, @GoldsmithOnGov speaks with @RVHaynes @WhatWorksCities and @carriebish of Bloomberg Philanthropies about how cities can pair intentional community engagement with #GenAI and #data.
https://t.co/X1QU72WqCj

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

Cities around the world are reimagining how data and AI can improve life for residents — from flood detection in Recife to youth-led sustainability projects in @prefeiturabh.

In her latest interview with @KurrantI during @SmartCityexpo, WWC Managing Director @RVHaynes shares how city leaders are shifting from a “tech-first” to an “impact-first” mindset, using data to build trust, resilience and long-term progress.

Watch the full 12-minute interview here: https://t.co/rua8icvQuk

[What Works Cities @WhatWorksCities]

Be a part of What Works Cities’ path to the @sxsw stage.

We’ve thrown our hat in the ring to host two sessions with mayors and city leaders solving some of today’s most pressing challenges.

1) In The AI-Governed City: Can Tech Really Save Urban Life?, @CityofPhoenixAZ @MayorGallego and @CityofSanJose CIO @autojuris. will join @RVHaynes to discuss the possibilities, pitfalls and payoffs of AI.

2) In Not Just a Shelter Problem: Why Cities Are Betting on Housing, Rochelle will lead a conversation with City of Savannah Mayor @MayorJohnsonSAV and @CityofDenver @denversmayor, two mayors who are tackling the affordable housing crisis with data-backed innovation to help more residents secure affordable housing.

Help us spread the word of data-driven city government by voting for both of our panels.

Vote for AI: https://t.co/YnctGcTcld
Vote for housing: https://t.co/c6EUg8zL0c

[Rochelle Haynes @RVHaynes]

Thank you @thephilacitizen for the opportunity to share with Mayors @Michael_Nutter, @KasimReed & Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt, how the @BloombergDotOrg @WhatWorksCities network is leveraging data & AI in practical & innovative ways.
Listen: https://t.co/4eoZ3xE4JT…

[The Philadelphia Citizen @thephilacitizen]

Urban problem-solver @RVHaynes makes the case for data and artificial intelligence as useful civic tools, in the latest episode of our podcast with hosts former Philadelphia Mayor @Michael_Nutter, former Atlanta Mayor @KasimReed and Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt.
Listen: https://t.co/LG1xDdDM41