Local leaders increasingly need access to data for effective planning, to secure funding, to evaluate progress, etc. With the explosion of data available on the internet, challenges other than just basic access have emerged.
Via our website and trainings, the VIEW will provide a practical approach to thinking about data and indicators, where to find useful data in various subject areas, how to interpret data and change over time, and how to use this information strategically for decision-making purposes, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the well-being of New York State people and communities.
Data allows us to establish baseline measures (answering the question: what is our current status?), measure trends over time, compare our communities and organizations with others, establish goals for the future, and to evaluate progress towards established goals.
Local leaders use data and indicators in a variety of strategic ways, including incorporating data into their master plans, grant proposals, research studies, and program evaluations.
For example, the Census Bureau’s website has a valuable section on “Success Stories” where you can find out how local governments, community groups, businesses and others have utilized data from the Census Bureau to locate facilities, apply for grants, or to conduct research. See examples of how data have been used by decision-makers to answer key questions in ways that benefit business, the individual or the community.
Understanding and Using Demographic Data
Measuring & Interpreting Demographic Changes
Demographics and Your Community
Demographic Data Workshop: Uses, Sources and Tools
Demographic Data: Sources, Uses and Tools, Presentation by Robin M. Blakely-Armitage to the We Live New York Summit, March 25, 2011.
NYS Data Maps
- The Map New York project, a map-based information system, connects communities with helpful information using data from the census as well as state and federal agency reports. The project provides city, town and tract level information and, in a separate mapping page, county level data as well.
- USDA map display for US counties of many key indicators in "Rural Indicators Map Machine"
By Source:
U.S. Census Bureau
County Business Patterns
By Topic:
Income and Poverty
Education
Population
Age Structure
Migration
Health & Well-being
Employment & Industry
Commuting
Local Government
Land Use
Community Food & Agriculture