COMMENTARY
Imagine cutting down a 3,200-year-old tree just to prove its existence. It happened in 1893 and created what is known as the Chicago Stump.
Back in the era of snake oil salesmen, even that dramatic display could not convince skeptics of the giant sequoia’s reality at the Chicago World’s Fair when a piece of the tree was shipped to be on display. This highlights a fundamental challenge: even compelling evidence needs context to be credible or it may be misconstrued. It took many more years before the American public came to believe — and protect — the largest trees in the world.
We are tackling this issue of better data and useful evidence head-on across government with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, or Evidence Act, celebrating its 5th anniversary today!
Many have likely not heard about this bipartisan law, its impact, or the dedicated data champions working tirelessly to ensure we do not repeat the “Chicago Stump” scenario that uprooted a giant sequoia. Signed into law by a Republican President, passed through a Democratic Senate, championed by a Republican House Speaker, and based on bipartisan commission recommendations, the Evidence Act is quietly revolutionizing how the U.S. government operates.
In just five years, we are seeing major, positive shifts. For example:
Data leadership: Every agency now has dedicated data leaders, called chief data officers, instrumental in implementing AI policies responsibly and developed strategies to better use data.
Continuous learning: Large agencies developed ongoing research plans (called learning agendas) and annual evaluation follow-ups, promoting informed decision-making.
Program evaluation as a core function: Evaluating what works, when, and where is now central to government operations, fostering transparency and cost-effectiveness.
Efforts to improve public trust in data: The federal statistical system is strengthening public trust and streamlining access to restricted data, with over 1300 datasets now readily available for researchers — and more to come.
These changes are not just on paper — they are making a real difference. The State Department is harnessing data-driven diplomacy, the Environmental Protection Agency is optimizing grants management for better environmental outcomes, and the Agriculture Department leverages analytics to improve nutrition assistance and conservation programs. Hundreds of other programs across government are benefitting from the Evidence Act, ultimately impacting the lives of all 335 million Americans.
This 5-year anniversary milestone is not just about celebrating progress; it is a call to action. We must continue demanding data-driven decision-making from our leaders and support further expansion of the Evidence Act’s reach and progress on implementation.
Together, we can continue building an evidence-informed government that serves the American people and — just like the giant sequoias — stands as a legacy for generations to come.
Join the anniversary events during Evidence Act Month in January 2024 and visit the Data Foundation website to learn more about its successes and future potential.
NICK HART, Ph.D. is President and CEO of the Data Foundation. Dr. Hart is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He previously served as the Policy and Research Director of the U.S. Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking.
Data Foundation Evidence Act Resources:
· 2021 Evaluation Official Survey
· Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit
· Evaluating Evidence-Building Plans
· Structuring the CDO for Success
Evidence Act Month Events:
· The Evidence Act: From Promise to Progress
· How 5 Years of the Evidence Act Reshaped Government Evaluation