Who We Are – Neighborhood Data for Social Change

Who We Are

We provide accessible, high-quality data and analysis tools to local stakeholders and community members across Los Angeles County to drive informed conversations and increase data-driven outcomes.

EXPLORE THE MAP

What We Do

About the Data

Download and learn more about every dataset on the NDSC platform including the original data sources, available years, and why each variable is important to measure.

Data Services

This initiative allows our team to provide data support services such as rapid response research, data analyses, and custom visualizations.

Explore your neighborhood

View data across ten different policy areas across LA County neighborhoods, cities and census tracts.

Our Mission

NDSC works to provide accessible, high-quality data and analysis that drives informed decision-making. We strive to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact by providing actionable insights that address systemic issues. By leveraging data to inform policy, engage community members, and foster collaboration, we aim to create more equitable and livable communities.

NDSC deeply values community partnerships, we are able to think and work across silos, sectors and jurisdictions. We partner with local and state governments, community based non-profits, developers, researchers and philanthropies to catalyze positive social impact.

We can utilize data to have informed conversations about how to best deliver resources that create a tangible impact. We believe that behind every data point is a story to be told. Read about our commitment to equity here.

History & Guiding Principles

NDSC was conceptualized through a series of stakeholder convenings hosted by the southern California branch of the Federal Reserve over a five year period. Local nonprofits, government agencies, academic institutions, and banks gathered to discuss how a neighborhood data portal could contribute to the policy and advocacy landscape in Los Angeles County. This planning committee uplifted a set of principles that guided the development of NDSC, including accessibility, storytelling, and community.

At the end of the planning process, Dr. Gary Painter and Caroline Bhalla of the USC Price Center for Social Innovation volunteered to build NDSC, and the platform was officially launched in October 2017. The project is guided by a Steering Committee of community-based organizations, government agencies, banks, university/research centers, and private sector partners. Learn more about our partners here.

ACCESSIBILITY

Creating a product that includes an easy navigation system and data presented with accessible definitions and contextual information for users at different levels of data literacy.

STORYTELLING

Building narratives that humanize the data, allowing users to engage in self-reflection and to become immersed in the history of communities throughout Los Angeles County.

COMMUNITY

Using data as a bridge to build relationships across sectors, issue areas and neighborhoods to work collaboratively towards social change.