What is CapStat?

CapStat is a performance-based accountability program that uniquely identifies opportunities to make District government run more efficiently, while providing a higher quality of service to its residents. The program is modeled after Baltimore’s CitiStat but is tailored to the needs of the District of Columbia. The program that the Mayor has developed for the District offers a methodical process for relentlessly and repeatedly focusing the attention of government on improving performance in high priority issues that cut across agency boundaries. This process takes form in CapStat accountability sessions. For one hour, the Mayor and City Administrator bring into one room all executives responsible for improving performance on an issue, examine performance data and explore ways to improve government services, as well as make commitments for follow-up actions.

The CapStat Director reports to the City Administrator. Each District agency participates in the program. Agency directors prepare for a session by examining their agency performance measures and determining how they can improve their results. Staff from the Office of the City Administrator work very closely with directors to help them prepare for CapStat sessions.

CapStat Facts:

• Accountability sessions are the heart of CapStat.
• CapStat sessions take place at least once a week.
• Meetings are scheduled according to needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Follow-up meetings are regularly scheduled to revisit topics, discuss progress and identify bottlenecks.
• CapStat allows directors to ensure their agency’s performance indicators are accurate and meaningful. This means identifying what outcomes their customers care about and making sure performance measures reflect the customer’s experience.