Let's Talk Data. / Data Democratization

From the Desk of a Subject Matter Expert: A Changemaker's Guide to Equitable Data Visualizations

In the heart of every community lies a story — a narrative shaped by the people, their experiences, and the data that surrounds them. As a public health expert and a firm believer in equitable data storytelling, I've seen firsthand how data can be a powerful tool for change. Yet, the …

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Data Storytelling Jobs Part 3: Build and Share Impactful Data Stories

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Welcome to the final installment of our data storytelling series. If you missed part one or part two, please review them whenever it’s convenient for you. If you’ve been following along, thanks for hanging with us.

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Data Storytelling Jobs Part 2: Quickly Find Community Insights

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Welcome back to part two of our data storytelling series! If you missed the first post, you can read it here.

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Data Storytelling Jobs Part 1: Access to Community Data

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If you haven’t been around here before, or you haven’t been around recently, welcome! We’re so glad that you’re here. mySidewalk is on a mission to democratize data and equip changemakers with tools to build stronger communities. We do this through our full-stack data storytelling pla …

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Preserving Affordable Housing Starts With A Plan. Here’s How To Begin.

How NLIHC and PAHRC are using mySidewalk to help communities preserve affordable housing. It is no secret that low-income families and households are struggling to find affordable housing options in their neighborhoods all over the United States. If you are reading this, it is likely …

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Every Child Thrives With A Safe Place to Play: Introducing the Playspace Partnership Assessment

How KABOOM! and MySidewalk are using data to end playspace inequity in the United States. Playtime is a critical part of every child’s growth and development. In addition to boosting a kid’s emotional and social wellbeing, physical activity throughout childhood lays the foundation for …

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The Case For Affordable Housing In Every Community: Introducing the Housing Affordability Report

The United States is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. This crisis stems from a widespread and acute lack of affordable low income, and supportive housing across the United States in all communities - urban, suburban, and rural. The lack of access to affordable, low income an …

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National Public Health Week 2021: Perseverance in Public Health

This past year, public health - the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities - has connected us all. Across the globe, citizens have looked to leaders in public health for next steps and much needed hope. There's never been a better time to show o …

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5 Eye-opening Data Lessons after a Year of Sheltering at Home

5 Eye-opening Data Lessons after a Year of Sheltering at Home

We believe that data in the right hands can make a better world. This has never been more apparent to us than in the past 12 months. That’s because data has done some incredible things this year. Here are just a few examples: We have sheltered at home watching Covid cases rise and fal …

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There should be no such thing as an "Equity Dashboard"

On January 26th, President Biden signed multiple Executive Orders addressing America’s shameful legacy of structural racism in the carceral system, housing and the economy. This comes as welcome news for the hundreds of communities we serve at mySidewalk who have been at the front lin …

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An Attack on Democracy

A view of the U.S. Capitol at sunset. Photo belongs to: www.aoc.gov

Early in my career, I spent some time in Washington, D.C. and at the Capitol. It's always had a special place in my heart and stood for the possibility of what we can do together as a country. By a coincidence of timing, I was working for my Congressman during the Bush / Gore election …

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9 Surprising Indicators of a Thriving Community

When I stepped into my office on day one as a local government Deputy Director, the first thing I did was ask for the latest Resident Insights (aka, a better way of saying Citizen Satisfaction) data from City Hall. I wanted to start this gig with a clear perspective on how our communi …

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Democratizing Data through Accessibility

This year my son was asked to join his third grade friend’s fantasy football league. He enthusiastically signed-up - and our draft preparations began in earnest. I’m not sure if you’ve ever played yourself, but signing up for a free league instantly provides you with deep, intuitive, …

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Vitalyst Spark: The Health Data Challenge, Part 1

Every day we come to work thinking about how data can make a better world. There are few “probletunities” as exciting and impactful as connecting health care, public health, and health outcomes through data. Listen in as Dr. Sarah Martin, VP of Health Solutions, and Stephen Hardy, CEO …

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Assessing Economic Vulnerability in the Greater KC Metro

Economic vulnerability arises from the interplay of many factors. Understanding how these factors interplay, and how to target policy, programs, and solutions, is a challenge.

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Democratizing Data for Public Service

Where trust and transparency is key, data is critical. Whether you’re a city leader proving the value of your work, or an organization helping communities understand how people grow and thrive, data underscores the legitimacy of your efforts.

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