DC’s Data Chief Matthew Sokol on building a foundation for effective data use

Matthew Sokol, Chief Data Officer for the District of Columbia, discussed key challenges in transforming large data sets into actionable insights, including data quality, integration, organizational talent and governance. He emphasized the importance of data stewardship, curated data formats and enterprise platforms for advanced analytics. In addition, Sokol highlighted the role of data mesh in empowering domain experts to own and manage their data, ensuring high-quality datasets for various analytical purposes. He also stressed the need for appropriate policies and procedures for data governance to ensure data is collected, stored, used and analyzed effectively across business units.