The Minnesota Governor publicly communicates about Minnesota’s use of data and evidence to produce results. The Governor, for example, issues press releases when the state publishes important new data and when Minnesota is recognized for data use by national organizations Results for America and The Pew Charitable Trusts. In such cases, the Governor highlights how the state uses data during interviews and takes time to publicly recognize researchers who provide data that is useful to Minnesota’s state and local policymakers.
Minnesota conducts an annual survey of legislative, county, and executive policymakers asking about the importance and usefulness of evidence in budget and policy decisions. In the 2020 survey, 86% of respondents said that having information about program effectiveness is very important for making decisions. Minnesota also conducts regular engagement surveys where employees are asked, among other questions, how their work contributes to their agency’s mission.
Minnesota maintains publicly available training videos for agency staff on how to develop evidence-based budget proposals. These materials are recirculated to key staff at least annually. Educational presentations on evidence-based practices and standards of evidence are regularly provided to state employees.
Minnesota offers regular trainings to state employees on results-based accountability (RBA) and process improvement and measurement. Minnesota Management and Budget also offers RBA consulting services to agencies.
The State of Minnesota has an achievement award policy that allows agencies to provide monetary awards to employees who demonstrate outstanding job performance for using data and evidence to improve the delivery of services or outcomes for people served. This policy requires that the process of rewarding individuals or groups be integrated with broader management process and performance management.