The places where people live affect their health, security, education, and economic success. People need data to understand how these issues intersect and vary across neighborhoods and among different groups. Having good data makes it possible for people to advocate for what is important to them, codevelop solutions, and hold others accountable for promised changes.
That’s where the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) comes in. NNIP helps communities use data to shape strategies and investments so that all neighborhoods are places where people can thrive.
Local NNIP partners bring a unique combination of data expertise and deep knowledge about their cities and the people who live in them. As a network, we aim to make our data services and analysis more inclusive and more effective in advancing racial and economic equity to ensure that all residents—regardless of background or neighborhood—have fair access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
To that end, we outline a set of shared aspirations for NNIP partners to hold ourselves and each other accountable as we make data more accessible, actionable, and rooted in community priorities:
Incorporate community voice in all stages of the data life cycle.
The experiences of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and Pacific Islander people, and other people of color and their communities are often left out of research. We aim to improve our methods—both quantitative and qualitative—to better incorporate their experiences into analyses. This includes codesigning research, interpreting data with the people and communities represented in the data, and sharing the results in formats they can use in their own advocacy.
Analyze and share data to benefit communities, including those that have been historically harmed.
Data have too often been used—intentionally or not—to cause or reinforce harm, particularly for people and communities of color and those with low incomes. As we share data, we seek to maximize benefits for all individuals and communities and mitigate the risk of harm. By centering community interests, we aim to support efforts that advance local goals, inform advocacy, and track progress toward meaningful change.
Be transparent about data limitations and context.
Data are not neutral; rather, they are shaped by the interests, assumptions, and biases of those who collect and analyze them. We need to clearly document the origins, limitations, and context of the data we use.
Identify and name the systems that drive unequal outcomes.
We recognize that structures—such as discriminatory public policies and institutional practices—have created and sustained disparities across groups of people and the communities in which they live. Our work must acknowledge and name these structures in both analysis and communication to support efforts for systemic change.
Develop indicators that reveal systemic drivers of inequity.
Too often, indicators focus on individual behaviors rather than the systems that shape those outcomes. We aim to develop more indicators about the systems driving inequities—such as disparate funding or access to opportunities—rather than placing blame on individuals or communities.
Highlight the assets of people and communities, not just the challenges they face.
Data and indicators used to describe people and communities of color and those with low incomes are often deficit-oriented, which can reinforce stigma. We strive to present a fuller picture that includes the assets, resilience, and leadership within communities.
Build capacity to use data to advocate for change through authentic partnerships.
Our organizations have not always made space for marginalized communities to participate or access needed information. We share our expertise and use our connections to ensure every community has the ability to affect change.
Strengthen our own institutions to reflect the values we promote.
We are committed to building inclusive workplaces and aligning our internal practices in our organizations and network with our stated values to better serve our communities.
