Kitsap County Community Development Performance Analytics Improves Decision Making, Permit Processing Time, and Quality

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) fosters the development of quality, affordable, safe, and environmentally sound communities. To achieve this, the Permitting program is charged with the responsibility of performing application review, plan review and conducting site and building inspections in unincorporated Kitsap County. This work generates massive amounts of valuable and complex data related to the permitting of various land and building activities. Currently, DCD has 231 permit types ranging from regulating the use of land to allowing removal of native vegetation and movement of dirt to construction of safe structures, all of which are regulated by numerous codes and regulations. In early 2022, DCD implemented a Data Analytics program to ensure that the highest quality data is available and utilized in the creation of reports and dashboards. To accomplish this, one new position was created and is dedicated to the program and its outcomes. Using Gartner’s Maturity Model for Data Analytics as a guide (SEE SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL 1.1), the program treats data as a department-wide asset that is readily available to support evidence-based decision-making and informed action. With access to high quality data, employees are empowered to innovate and proactively manage department work processes through creative data visualizations for improved service delivery, improved quality, and better decision making.