State governments collect massive amounts of data. Almost every program or service has an application, renewal, or other form that captures information stemming from an interaction between a state resident and the government service or action. In recent years several governors have issued executive orders calling for more equity in how their states analyze that data and use it to inform policies and programs, often assigning that work to state chief data officers (CDOs).

In January 2023, the State CDO Network convened a working group of state CDOs and their colleagues to share insights and best practices that could help states respond to these executive mandates. After hearing from multiple states, the Data Equity Working Group compiled a practical guide to help government data leaders better understand and take action to improve data equity.