Evidence-Based Policymaking: Budget Development

Editor's note: This page was updated July 27, 2018, to provide more information about the project's work on budget development.

In 2014, the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative identified five key components of evidence-based policymaking: program assessment, budget development, implementation oversight, outcome monitoring, and targeted evaluation. Considering and implementing one or more of these components can help states and counties successfully use the Results First framework in a way that yields meaningful changes for their communities.

States and counties can use data to inform their budgets, what Results First calls evidence-based budget development. Included on this page are links to briefs, fact sheets, and other resources. Along with explanatory documents, this section also includes stories about how select states and counties approach this critical component of evidence-based policymaking.

Strategy: Build evidence into contracts

• New York Moves to Increase Efficiency in Criminal Justice System
• How to Use Evidence in the Contracting Process
• How Evidence Can Inform Contracting for State, Local Governments

Strategy: Use evidence in the budget process

• Santa Barbara County Uses Evidence-Based Approach to Funding Services 
• New Mexico Uses Research, Performance Data to Guide Budgeting
• Mississippi’s 7 Elements of Quality Program Design
• States Should Prioritize Evidence in Budgeting to Promote Positive Outcomes 

Strategy: Target funds to evidence-based programs

• How Policymakers Prioritize Evidence-Based Programs Through Law
• States Can Set Funding Thresholds That Promote Evidence-Based Programs