Recent Updates from the National Equity Atlas

Dear Atlas Users,

Over a decade ago, we launched the National Equity Atlas based on a simple belief: data is knowledge, and knowledge is power. And that by putting the power of accurate and deeply disaggregated data into the hands of community leaders and policymakers, we could build an economy and democracy that works for all people. We knew that we could only solve problems if we’re equipped to understand and measure them.

We’re proud of what the Atlas has helped achieve across the country, and the last few months have underscored just how important this work is.

Since the new administration took office, it has unleashed a wave of attacks on data — scrubbing websites, eliminating entire datasets, and removing publications that detail economic, social, and health disparities. As Manuel Pastor has noted, this data represents real people and their experiences, making them visible in policymaking spaces where decisions are made about their lives. These rollbacks are about denying the reality of entire communities and giving those in power a pass when it comes to addressing inequities.

As the country’s most detailed report card on racial and economic equity, the Equity Atlas remains committed to our mission. We have always believed that data is as powerful as what you do with it, and we won’t ever back down from telling the truth — especially now.

Here’s what we’ve been up to this year.

Protect Public Data Access by Submitting Your Data Stories

As crucial federal data continues to be removed, our national partners are working to protect public data access. You can support these efforts by submitting your own data stories:

New Data Snapshot: Workforce Equity Dashboard

This tool offers insights into key workforce indicators, such as job growth, occupational segregation, future-ready jobs, and automation risk, illuminating the unequal ways that labor is valued in our current economic framework.

Check out this short video that details the key features of the data snapshot.

Whether you are a policymaker, community advocate, or a leader in the economic justice movement, this tool offers valuable insights that can inform decisions and strategies to shape a new economic system in which all jobs are good jobs. Please share it with your networks.

Coming Soon: Environmental Justice Indicators

The National Equity Atlas is currently in the process of adding new environmental justice indicators to the tool, including a measure of urban heat islands, flood risk to industrial sites, and tree canopies.

How could environmental justice data support your work? We'd love to hear from you!

In the News

Until next time,

— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Celebrating Our Fellowship's Impact and Starting a New Chapter

Dear Atlas Users,

In 2022, we launched the National Equity Atlas Fellowship, providing intensive data training to grassroots leaders of color across diverse issue areas. Across two cohorts, fellows developed impactful data visualizations and adeptly navigated challenging social and political shifts, illustrating the power of data-driven equity solutions to transforming communities across the nation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of the fellows for embarking on this journey with us and sharing their reflections. Their insights have helped position us to forge a new path, strengthening our commitment to research justice and further empowering grassroots advocates to leverage data in advancing equity.

As we conclude our fellowship program, we are excited to share some initial insights that will inform and guide our future work. We also invite you to learn more about our second cohort of fellows and their work by exploring the 2024 Fellowship Showcase.
 

Delve into Insights from Our Fellowship


We see the seeds of change taking root. Looking ahead, our focus remains steadfast on enhancing the Racial Equity Data Lab to meet the evolving needs of communities and those who advocate for them. We are structuring future resources into learning arcs that address foundational data visualization skills, applying a research justice lens, and aligning data products to strategic stakeholder mapping. This approach aims to empower all Atlas users to deepen their data literacy autonomously, supporting a diverse range of data projects and roles within the advocacy landscape.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we advance our mission of leveraging data to advance equity and justice. Together, we look forward to shaping a more inclusive future.

Best,

The National Equity Atlas

Reflecting on 2024: Key Atlas Updates and Partnerships

Dear Atlas Users,

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year. It’s been filled with meaningful collaborations, data-driven insights, and impactful projects that continue to drive positive change in communities across the country. As we wrap up the year, we’re excited to share some of the highlights from 2024, and we’re also looking ahead to 2025 with some exciting projects in store that will continue to advance data equity nationwide.
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Empowering Communities with Data to Strengthen Local Action

This year, we collaborated on key projects to support regional equity efforts across the US. In California, we developed seven regional equity profiles to support the California Jobs First initiative, a $600 million statewide effort to drive investments that strengthen communities. These profiles cover regions such as the Central Coast, Inland Empire, and Southern Border, providing valuable data and insights to address long-standing inequities, promote climate resilience, and ensure that new development benefits communities of color and historically disinvested areas. We also partnered with local organizations in Long Island to produce an updated equity profile for the region, providing an in-depth analysis of its economic challenges, environmental justice issues, and health disparities. Both projects underscore the importance of localized, data-driven approaches to advancing equity, with the power to inform community-led solutions and shape policy for a more equitable future.

Making Waves in the Media

Throughout 2024, the Atlas was featured in several media outlets, amplifying the reach and impact of our work. In August, The Seattle Times referenced our data in a report on the rise of unpaid rent in low-income housing, shedding further light on the financial struggles tenants face as rental arrears continue to mount. In April, Shelterforce cited our data in its analysis of deepening rental arrears and increasing operational costs faced by affordable housing providers. Our rent debt data also made its way into Capital & Main, where it was featured in a story about a Los Angeles renter preparing to fight for his home in court. And our collaborative study with Rideshare Drivers United was mentioned in a CalMatters article discussing the implications of Prop 22 and its impact on gig economy workers. To explore more media coverage, visit our news archive.

Addressing Economic Insecurity and Housing Pressures

This year, we released two critical pieces of research that highlighted the growing disparities in housing and community well-being. Our report on economic insecurity and green space equity in Los Angeles County uncovered significant racial and economic disparities in access to green spaces, revealing how these gaps affect the quality of life and exacerbate broader economic inequalities. Meanwhile, a data snapshot we released earlier in the year delved into the growing pressure US renters feel to leave their homes, particularly in regions like the South and Southwest, where financial strains were most acute. These insights, which were incorporated into our rent debt dashboard, underscored the urgent need for stronger protections for renters and equitable solutions to improve both housing stability and access to essential community resources like green spaces.

Celebrating the Conclusion of the National Equity Atlas Fellowship

In the first quarter of 2024, the second cohort of National Equity Atlas Fellows completed their equity data projects. The program concluded with a Fellowship Showcase, where each of them presented their projects—ranging from a transit equity dashboard in New Orleans to a toolkit on economic disparities caused by heir properties in Detroit. Post-fellowship interviews with both cohorts provided valuable reflections on their skill development and impact. As we look ahead, we’re retooling the Racial Equity Data Lab and refining our approach to continue promoting research justice and advancing data equity in the field.

Driving Conversations on Data and Equity at the PolicyLink Equity Summit 2024

We hosted three sessions at this year’s PolicyLink Equity Summit, each showcasing innovative approaches to advancing equity through data and community engagement. The first session examined transformative data systems, exploring the balance between data disaggregation and holistic analysis, while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding the use of big data. In the second session, we shared strategies for creating accessible and impactful data visualizations that can drive meaningful change. The third session offered an immersive experience, inviting participants to think beyond traditional indicators and imagine new ways to measure and promote community well-being. To dive deeper into the sessions and access the resources we shared, visit nationalequityatlas.org/equity-summit-2024.

Looking Forward to the New Year

Thank you for using the National Equity Atlas and for your ongoing commitment to advancing equity through data, research, and collaboration. We wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and look forward to an even more impactful 2025!
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— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Summer Reflections and Resources from the Atlas

Dear Atlas Users,

As this summer winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible research and resources we’ve released throughout 2024. It’s been a productive year for the National Equity Atlas, and we’ve remained committed to providing advocates, policymakers, and community leaders with data-driven insights for driving meaningful change. As we look ahead, we’re excited to share some of our highlights from the year so far:




Atlas Sessions at the PolicyLink Equity Summit 2024

The Atlas hosted three sessions at this year’s PolicyLink Equity Summit, offering various approaches to advancing equity through data and community engagement. The first session explored transformative data systems, addressing the balance between data disaggregation and holistic analysis, blending humanistic storytelling with quantitative rigor, and navigating the ethical implications of big data. The second session showcased strategies for creating accessible and impactful data visualizations. The third session provided an immersive experience, encouraging participants to think beyond traditional indicators and envision new ways to measure whether a community is loving and thriving. These sessions underscored our commitment to rethinking data and design practices to better serve and empower communities. Learn more about each session, the lineup of speakers, and the shared resources.

New Report: Exploring Economic Insecurity and Green Space Equity in Los Angeles County

Our latest report dives into the intersecting challenges of economic insecurity and green space equity in Los Angeles County. This in-depth analysis uncovers the significant racial and economic disparities in access to green spaces, shedding light on how these gaps affect economic stability and overall well-being. By examining these interconnected challenges, the report offers valuable insights into how limited access to green spaces both reflects and exacerbates broader inequities. Delve into the report and the Green Space Equity Glossary, which provides essential definitions and key concepts related to the report’s findings.

Data Update: Rent Debt Dashboard

Rent debt remains a significant national crisis — and our updated Rent Debt Dashboard sheds light on this ongoing issue. As of July 22, more than 5 million renter households remain behind on their payments, accumulating more than $9.5 billion in total rent debt. This lingering debt has placed a disproportionate strain on low-income households and communities of color. Geographic disparities are also evident, with states like California and Texas showing some of the highest levels of rent debt. Dive into the data to see how rent debt varies across the US.

ICYMI: 2024 National Equity Atlas Fellowship Showcase

Our second cohort of fellows wrapped up their year-long journey this spring, culminating in a showcase of their visionary projects. The showcase highlighted the innovative strategies each fellow developed to address critical issues like housing affordability, climate change, the digital divide, and wage theft. Their recorded presentations provide a glimpse into how data can be leveraged to advance equity in local communities. The conclusion of our fellowship program has offered us valuable initial insights that will shape and guide our future initiatives.
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We Want to Hear from You!

We value your insights and feedback as we continue to expand our resources. If you have found any of our research or tools useful, or if you have suggestions for how we can better support your work, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Share your thoughts and stories with us at info@nationalequityatlas.org.
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— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

How Much Does Policing Really Cost?

The National Equity Atlas is excited to announce the release of our latest data tool — At What Cost? Examining Police, Sheriff, and Jail Budgets Across the US. The interactive dashboard explores how much cities and counties across the nation spend on policing and incarceration.


Research has shown that local governments in the United States are dedicating more funds to carceral systems, like jails and law enforcement. At What Cost? sheds further light on this trend. Using data from the fiscal year 2022 budget allocations of 20 US cities and counties, the dashboard compares local spending on carceral activities with money allocated toward community investments that contribute to residents’ well-being — like housing, health care, and social services.


What the Dashboard Does

At What Cost? is a valuable tool for anyone working to promote transparency and accountability in local government. It enables users, including residents, advocates, and policymakers, to:

  • Understand how their tax dollars are being spent.
  • Assess their community’s spending priorities and compare them to other cities and counties.
  • Identify budget trends, funding disparities, and potential areas for reform.

How to Navigate the Dashboard

Unsure where to get started? We've developed a user guide to help you make full use of the dashboard and its data. It highlights key features and provides step-by-step instructions on accessing and interpreting local budget data.

Get Further Support

Have questions about the dashboard or its data? Explore our frequently asked questions. Don't see your question listed, or need one-on-one support? Please submit a request.

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