Data and analytics is the combination of two powerful computing trends in government. States and localities are beginning to amass huge amounts of structured and unstructured data, and are using the algorithms in analytics software programs to make more informed decisions. This is resulting in saved time and resources for agencies and citizens alike. The most recent Center for Digital Government Public CIO Special Report sheds light on the technology requirements for increasing amounts of data and the governance necessary to make sound judgements based on analytics – including the benefits, challenges and real-life examples of implementing big data analytics initiatives.