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Q&A

Deputy Speaker Williams Inquires About Methodology Data Metrics

New York City Council · May 28, 2026 · starts 3:21:24 · 2 min 14 sec

Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams asks how the equitable investment methodology weighs poverty, demographics, and community violence indicators when allocating program slots.

Luisa Linares

It was applied to the literacy RFP in 2024.

Luisa Linares

And an equity approach was applied to the COMPASS RFP.

Luisa Linares

So those are the two so far.

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

It's the driver.

Luisa Linares

So poverty makes up at least 70%.

Luisa Linares

Um in some cases, like the illiteracy RFP, we took into account the program specific needs.

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

But when do you look at other factors?

Luisa Linares

Yes, yes.

Luisa Linares

No, but I'm saying when.

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

As part of the process, so um we'll look at in the compass RP, we looked at um students with disabilities, students in temporary housing, we looked at English language learners.

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

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.

Luisa Linares

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

Luisa Linares

Yes.

Luisa Linares

Okay.

Luisa Linares

Thank you.