Councilmember Epstein questions equity methodology data factors and public release

Can you explain how this methodology weighs poverty data, demographic data, community violence indicators, and existing service gaps when allocating?

program slots?

The primary driver for the methodology is poverty, looking at poverty data.

So you don't use any other metrics of data, only poverty?

It's the driver.

So poverty makes up at least 70% in

In some cases, like the Literacy RFP, we took into account the program-specific needs.

So looking at data on limited English proficiency or looking at data on adults without a high school diploma.

So we will look at other factors, but poverty is the primary driver.

But when do you look at other factors?

Yes, yes.

No, but I'm saying when.

When do you say, let's look at other factors?

As part of the process.

So we'll look at, in the Compass RFP, we looked at students with disabilities, students in temporary housing.

We looked at English language learners.

So as part of that process, we also looked at the priority precincts with the highest levels of gun violence.

So as part of that process, we will look at that.

Okay, so you do look at other data metrics, but primarily property.

Okay, and just the last question, will DYCD publicly release the methodology and underlying data used to determine which neighborhoods receive priority investments?

So one of the strategies that we included

in this long-term goal is to conduct outreach and engagement to get input on the methodology.

So as part of that process, we will be sharing, as we do that outreach, sharing what's been done and soliciting feedback.

Yes.

Okay.

Thank you.