Often, we receive general questions about collecing and using local data, or creating a system for doing so. The resources listed here are intended to provide guidance in this area.
1. Connecticut Open Data Guides
Our Data Guides link to specific resources that might be useful, including state open databases and websites. Topics include Demographics, Health, Economy, Civic Vitality, and others.
In addition to these guides, it may be helpful to review our reports, such as the Community Index, to get a sense of the scope of available local data. Many of our reports contain extensive footnotes and links to sources. Reviewing other high-quality reports, like those hosted on the Data Resources section of our website, may also be helpful. Request technical assistance from DataHaven if you have a particular question or trouble finding something.
2. Strengthening Communities with Neighborhood Data: https://www.urban.org/strengtheningcommunities
This book has extensive detail on the systems and processes used to collect local data, with a particular focus on the work of National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) partners like DataHaven.
You can download the book for free from the Urban Institute. We refer to it often.
3. NNIP Guide to Starting a Local Data Intermediary: https://www.urban.org/research/publication/nnips-guide-starting-local-da...
Description from the Urban Institute: "The National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP), coordinated by the Urban Institute, is a peer learning network of local organizations that share a mission to improve low-income neighborhoods by empowering local stakeholders to use data in planning, policymaking, and community building. Based on 20 years of NNIP experience, this guide describes the role of a local data intermediary, the process of identifying a home for the intermediary, and how to think about its initial fundraising and activities. The guide will help stakeholders think about the broader environment of community information and understand various aspects of establishing a local data intermediary."
