Transforming Performance Measurement for the 21st Century.

• Position: Brief article

While substantial progress has been made in spreading performance measurement across the country and world, much of the information from these systems has been shallow, according to a new report from the Urban Institute. Citizens are looking for information on the progress jurisdictions are making progress in achieving their goals, and this level of demand--combined with new technologies--creates opportunities for considerably improving the usefulness of performance information.

The report, Transforming Performance Measurement for the 21st Century, provides recommendations to help public-sector organizations take advantage of these opportunities, particularly for selecting appropriate performance indicators and data collection procedures, analyzing and reporting the information, and using the information to improve services.

According to the report, "Adding more analysis into the performance...