Global City Indicators Facility : MetroMatch

What is MetroMatch?

MetroMatch is a voluntary effort to link the staff of municipalities from around the world for the purpose of sharing technical information on an identified set of topics, including wastewater management, climate change, public health, disaster response, flood control, and other municipal services.

MetroMatch would work hand-in-hand with the Global City Indicators Program (GCIP):

GCIP will provide a common set of indicators and context for monitoring performance.
MetroMatch will provide a mechanism for municipalities to share technical information on improving performance relative to identified benchmarks.

The MetroMatch program will enable willing municipal participants to be listed in a web-based, “MetroMatch Directory” with information about their position and the expertise that they possess. Staff listed in the directory may be contacted with requests for technical information and assistance to deal with operational or programmatic problems in the areas of the individual’s expertise. Participation in MetroMatch, by both municipalities and individuals, is voluntary. Access to the MetroMatch Directory is limited to active Global City Indicators participants as an incentive to continue updates to City Indicators data.
The list of participating cities is expected to grow significantly with the public release of the Global City Indicators Program and related website. Cities in the United States, Asia, and Europe have already expressed interest in formally participating in the GCIP and MetroMatch programs.

What are the benefits of municipal participation in Global City Indicators Program and MetroMatch?

Most municipalities already dedicate significant effort and resources to tracking performance. MetroMatch provides a unique opportunity to share data with similar-sized municipalities in other countries using a common set of indicators, providing a wider context for comparison and exchange of ideas.
The MetroMatch element will provide a low-cost opportunity for consultation with municipalities who have been particularly effective in meeting a given benchmark (reduction of carbon emissions for example). Because access to MetroMatch is limited to municipalities using and reporting on a common set of indicators, these consultations are more likely to be relevant.
Best practices for benchmarks and performance measures are evolving. Participation in Global City Indicators Program and MetroMatch provides opportunities for staff to collaborate with staff from other municipalities who are leaders in this field. Participation would also provide greater visibility and credibility for the accomplishments of local governments and could be used to ensure greater accountability to both local tax payers and grant funders.

How to sign up?
Please continue to check back periodically for updates to the MetroMatch Program. For more information on how to offer or request expertise, please contact cityindicators@daniels.utoronto.ca