Press Release: Case Study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 8:00am EST
Contact: press@workforamerica.org
5BORO Institute: info@fiveboro.nyc
New Case Study Highlights NYC Comptroller’s Innovative Workforce Dashboard as a National Model
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – Today, Work for America and the 5BORO Institute released “Workforce Data in Action,” a case study showcasing the NYC Comptroller’s Agency Staffing Dashboard, a tool that is redefining workforce management in the public sector. Developed under the leadership of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, the Dashboard tracks real-time staffing data across 80 city agencies, offering actionable insights that empower leaders to address workforce gaps, manage headcount reductions, and mitigate ballooning overtime costs.
As cities and states shoulder greater responsibilities amid a shrinking federal government, data-driven workforce solutions are more important than ever. The case study explores how the Comptroller’s Office developed the tool, its immediate impact on shaping NYC policy, and why it serves as a model for other governments navigating similar staffing challenges.
“From building inspectors who address dangerous conditions to sanitation workers who sweep our streets, municipal workers are the engine that keep our City running—vacancies can slowly erode critical services and put us all at risk,”
said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
“Our Office built our agency management dashboard because we cannot fix what we do not measure, and Department leadership should have transparent metrics at their fingertips to know how well—or how poorly—they are recruiting and retaining public servants. This model should be replicated by government leaders across the country because it is our responsibility to effectively manage the oversight and the delivery of government services, particularly at a time when the very purpose of government has been challenged from outside interests. Taking a more strategic approach will lead to better oversight and leadership to ensure a more thriving city.”
“Nationwide workforce shortages are jeopardizing essential services like affordable housing, public safety, and food assistance,” said Caitlin Lewis, Executive Director of Work for America. “As the federal government shifts more responsibilities to state and local governments, innovative tools like the Dashboard are critical to helping cities tackle staffing crises and keep communities thriving.”
“The NYC Agency Staffing Dashboard exemplifies the kind of innovative, data-driven tools we need in local government,” said Grace Rauh, Director of the 5BORO Institute. “This approach not only enhances transparency but also sets a new standard for how cities can use existing data to solve pressing workforce issues.”
By integrating payroll data with authorized headcount figures, the Dashboard provides clarity on vacancy rates, staffing trends, and workforce dynamics. Updated monthly and built with user-friendly design principles, it equips city leaders and agencies with the tools they need to make timely, data-driven decisions.
With public sector workforce shortages affecting New York City and communities nationwide, the case study underscores the urgency of adopting innovative solutions like NYC’s Agency Staffing Dashboard to ensure critical services remain accessible and reliable. The Dashboard offers a replicable model for governments across the country, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing data and designing user-friendly tools.
To read the full case study or learn more about how the NYC Comptroller’s Office is leading the way in workforce innovation, visit this link.
About Work for America
Work for America is a nonprofit that aims to make public service a more desired, accessible, and stable career path that uplifts families, communities, and our country. We help state and local governments recruit, retain, and empower the next wave of public servants, ensuring better services and a stronger America.
About 5BORO Institute
The 5BORO Institute is an innovative think tank dedicated to strengthening New York City through creative and actionable solutions. By partnering with policymakers, the private sector, academia, and community leaders, 5BORO tackles NYC’s most complex challenges to ensure the city remains vibrant and resilient.
