To add equity data to the national dialogue about growth and prosperity, every week the National Equity Atlas team posts a new chart from the Equity Atlas related to current events and issues.

When skyrocketing rents force individuals and families to spend an increasingly larger share of their income on housing, it doesn’t just strain household budgets, it can limit growth for the entire region and exacerbate existing racial inequalities. This week, we are highlighting this interplay between housing, economic growth, and racial equity by looking at the Bay Area, where rising housing costs and stagnant wages have hit low-income communities and communities of color hardest, making it difficult for many residents to care for their families, contribute to the local economy, or invest in their future.

Though the Bay Area has never been a low-cost housing market, over the past three years rents have increased precipitously, forcing many households to spend far above the federal standard for affordability: households that spend 30 percent of income on housing are considered “rent burdened.” In the Bay Area, fully half of all renters, and 60 percent of low-income, Black, Latino, and Native American households fall into this category.

If regional, state, and national leaders implemented strategies to promote housing affordability and rising incomes, however, the impact on racial and economic equity would be dramatic. Because rent burdens have increased disproportionately for people of color, rental affordability would translate into substantial increases in disposable income for individuals and families of color, especially those who are economically insecure. For example, a housing burdened low-income family of three would recover $9,000 a year -- enough to cover an entire food budget, all transportations costs, or even a year of tuition at a California state university!

Considering the collective spending power that renters have in the Bay Area, this economic boost to individual households would have ripple effects throughout the region. Renters already contribute $70 billion to the regional economy, but if economically insecure renters paid only what they could afford, their spending power would grow by $4.4 billion -- more than San Jose’s annual budget.

So how can we realize these gains? Rent burdens are a function of stagnant wages and rising costs, so we need a multifaceted approach including comprehensive housing solutions (including protection, preservation, inclusion, and production), efforts to ensure economic security and rising incomes, and building renter and community power. We outline these strategies—and additional analyses—in our latest report, Solving the Housing Crisis Is Key to Inclusive Prosperity in the Bay Area, developed through our Bay Area Equity Atlas partnership with The San Francisco Foundation. And momentum is growing for solutions: advocates are working to repeal California’s Costa-Hawkins law, which restricts local municipalities’ ability to protect residents from exorbitant rent increases. So far, they’ve collected 588,000 signatures to place the repeal on the November ballot—far above the 365,880 needed to qualify the measure.

To see how renter burden affects different members of your community, visit the National Equity Atlas and type in your city or state. You can also download and share these charts on social media, tagging it #equitydata so we can follow along.

SaveSave

Dear Atlas Users,

Over a decade ago, we launched the National Equity Atlas based on a simple belief: data is knowledge, and knowledge is power. And that by putting the power of accurate and deeply disaggregated data into the hands of community leaders and policymakers, we could build an economy and democracy that works for all people. We knew that we could only solve problems if we’re equipped to understand and measure them.

We’re proud of what the Atlas has helped achieve across the country, and the last few months have underscored just how important this work is.

Since the new administration took office, it has unleashed a wave of attacks on data — scrubbing websites, eliminating entire datasets, and removing publications that detail economic, social, and health disparities. As Manuel Pastor has noted, this data represents real people and their experiences, making them visible in policymaking spaces where decisions are made about their lives. These rollbacks are about denying the reality of entire communities and giving those in power a pass when it comes to addressing inequities.

As the country’s most detailed report card on racial and economic equity, the Equity Atlas remains committed to our mission. We have always believed that data is as powerful as what you do with it, and we won’t ever back down from telling the truth — especially now.

Here’s what we’ve been up to this year.

Protect Public Data Access by Submitting Your Data Stories

As crucial federal data continues to be removed, our national partners are working to protect public data access. You can support these efforts by submitting your own data stories:

• The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights' 'We Are The Data' portal is collecting stories regarding how you use race and ethnicity data in your work.
• America's Essential Data is collecting stories regarding the importance of all federal datasets.

New Data Snapshot: Workforce Equity Dashboard

This tool offers insights into key workforce indicators, such as job growth, occupational segregation, future-ready jobs, and automation risk, illuminating the unequal ways that labor is valued in our current economic framework.

Check out this short video that details the key features of the data snapshot.

Whether you are a policymaker, community advocate, or a leader in the economic justice movement, this tool offers valuable insights that can inform decisions and strategies to shape a new economic system in which all jobs are good jobs. Please share it with your networks.

Coming Soon: Environmental Justice Indicators

The National Equity Atlas is currently in the process of adding new environmental justice indicators to the tool, including a measure of urban heat islands, flood risk to industrial sites, and tree canopies.

How could environmental justice data support your work? We'd love to hear from you!

In the News

• PolicyLink VP of Research, Abbie Langston, joined Michelle Wilson of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions on the State of Our Workforce podcast to discuss the power of disaggregated data in understanding deeply rooted inequities in the workforce.
• Our report on the state of equity on Long Island was featured in Newsday, highlighting that amid gains, income gap persists for Black Long Islanders.
• The Guardian covered a recent rally held by rideshare drivers across the state, citing our report that found that pay for rideshare and delivery apps remains significantly low after the passage of Prop 22.
• The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services announced a new online Racial and Health Equity Data Hub, designed to provide an overview of the health status of residents across different racial and ethnic groups. The Atlas is proud to be a data source for this project.

Until next time,

— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Delve into Insights from Our Fellowship

We see the seeds of change taking root. Looking ahead, our focus remains steadfast on enhancing the Racial Equity Data Lab to meet the evolving needs of communities and those who advocate for them. We are structuring future resources into learning arcs that address foundational data visualization skills, applying a research justice lens, and aligning data products to strategic stakeholder mapping. This approach aims to empower all Atlas users to deepen their data literacy autonomously, supporting a diverse range of data projects and roles within the advocacy landscape.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we advance our mission of leveraging data to advance equity and justice. Together, we look forward to shaping a more inclusive future.

Best,

The National Equity Atlas

Dear Atlas Users,

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year. It’s been filled with meaningful collaborations, data-driven insights, and impactful projects that continue to drive positive change in communities across the country. As we wrap up the year, we’re excited to share some of the highlights from 2024, and we’re also looking ahead to 2025 with some exciting projects in store that will continue to advance data equity nationwide.
​​​​​
Empowering Communities with Data to Strengthen Local Action

This year, we collaborated on key projects to support regional equity efforts across the US. In California, we developed seven regional equity profiles to support the California Jobs First initiative, a $600 million statewide effort to drive investments that strengthen communities. These profiles cover regions such as the Central Coast, Inland Empire, and Southern Border, providing valuable data and insights to address long-standing inequities, promote climate resilience, and ensure that new development benefits communities of color and historically disinvested areas. We also partnered with local organizations in Long Island to produce an updated equity profile for the region, providing an in-depth analysis of its economic challenges, environmental justice issues, and health disparities. Both projects underscore the importance of localized, data-driven approaches to advancing equity, with the power to inform community-led solutions and shape policy for a more equitable future.

Making Waves in the Media

Throughout 2024, the Atlas was featured in several media outlets, amplifying the reach and impact of our work. In August, The Seattle Times referenced our data in a report on the rise of unpaid rent in low-income housing, shedding further light on the financial struggles tenants face as rental arrears continue to mount. In April, Shelterforce cited our data in its analysis of deepening rental arrears and increasing operational costs faced by affordable housing providers. Our rent debt data also made its way into Capital & Main, where it was featured in a story about a Los Angeles renter preparing to fight for his home in court. And our collaborative study with Rideshare Drivers United was mentioned in a CalMatters article discussing the implications of Prop 22 and its impact on gig economy workers. To explore more media coverage, visit our news archive.

Addressing Economic Insecurity and Housing Pressures

This year, we released two critical pieces of research that highlighted the growing disparities in housing and community well-being. Our report on economic insecurity and green space equity in Los Angeles County uncovered significant racial and economic disparities in access to green spaces, revealing how these gaps affect the quality of life and exacerbate broader economic inequalities. Meanwhile, a data snapshot we released earlier in the year delved into the growing pressure US renters feel to leave their homes, particularly in regions like the South and Southwest, where financial strains were most acute. These insights, which were incorporated into our rent debt dashboard, underscored the urgent need for stronger protections for renters and equitable solutions to improve both housing stability and access to essential community resources like green spaces.

Celebrating the Conclusion of the National Equity Atlas Fellowship

In the first quarter of 2024, the second cohort of National Equity Atlas Fellows completed their equity data projects. The program concluded with a Fellowship Showcase, where each of them presented their projects—ranging from a transit equity dashboard in New Orleans to a toolkit on economic disparities caused by heir properties in Detroit. Post-fellowship interviews with both cohorts provided valuable reflections on their skill development and impact. As we look ahead, we’re retooling the Racial Equity Data Lab and refining our approach to continue promoting research justice and advancing data equity in the field.

Driving Conversations on Data and Equity at the PolicyLink Equity Summit 2024

We hosted three sessions at this year’s PolicyLink Equity Summit, each showcasing innovative approaches to advancing equity through data and community engagement. The first session examined transformative data systems, exploring the balance between data disaggregation and holistic analysis, while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding the use of big data. In the second session, we shared strategies for creating accessible and impactful data visualizations that can drive meaningful change. The third session offered an immersive experience, inviting participants to think beyond traditional indicators and imagine new ways to measure and promote community well-being. To dive deeper into the sessions and access the resources we shared, visit nationalequityatlas.org/equity-summit-2024.

Looking Forward to the New Year

Thank you for using the National Equity Atlas and for your ongoing commitment to advancing equity through data, research, and collaboration. We wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and look forward to an even more impactful 2025!
​​​​​​
— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Dear Atlas Users,

As this summer winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible research and resources we’ve released throughout 2024. It’s been a productive year for the National Equity Atlas, and we’ve remained committed to providing advocates, policymakers, and community leaders with data-driven insights for driving meaningful change. As we look ahead, we’re excited to share some of our highlights from the year so far:

Atlas Sessions at the PolicyLink Equity Summit 2024

The Atlas hosted three sessions at this year’s PolicyLink Equity Summit, offering various approaches to advancing equity through data and community engagement. The first session explored transformative data systems, addressing the balance between data disaggregation and holistic analysis, blending humanistic storytelling with quantitative rigor, and navigating the ethical implications of big data. The second session showcased strategies for creating accessible and impactful data visualizations. The third session provided an immersive experience, encouraging participants to think beyond traditional indicators and envision new ways to measure whether a community is loving and thriving. These sessions underscored our commitment to rethinking data and design practices to better serve and empower communities. Learn more about each session, the lineup of speakers, and the shared resources.

New Report: Exploring Economic Insecurity and Green Space Equity in Los Angeles County

Our latest report dives into the intersecting challenges of economic insecurity and green space equity in Los Angeles County. This in-depth analysis uncovers the significant racial and economic disparities in access to green spaces, shedding light on how these gaps affect economic stability and overall well-being. By examining these interconnected challenges, the report offers valuable insights into how limited access to green spaces both reflects and exacerbates broader inequities. Delve into the report and the Green Space Equity Glossary, which provides essential definitions and key concepts related to the report’s findings.

Data Update: Rent Debt Dashboard

Rent debt remains a significant national crisis — and our updated Rent Debt Dashboard sheds light on this ongoing issue. As of July 22, more than 5 million renter households remain behind on their payments, accumulating more than $9.5 billion in total rent debt. This lingering debt has placed a disproportionate strain on low-income households and communities of color. Geographic disparities are also evident, with states like California and Texas showing some of the highest levels of rent debt. Dive into the data to see how rent debt varies across the US.

ICYMI: 2024 National Equity Atlas Fellowship Showcase

Our second cohort of fellows wrapped up their year-long journey this spring, culminating in a showcase of their visionary projects. The showcase highlighted the innovative strategies each fellow developed to address critical issues like housing affordability, climate change, the digital divide, and wage theft. Their recorded presentations provide a glimpse into how data can be leveraged to advance equity in local communities. The conclusion of our fellowship program has offered us valuable initial insights that will shape and guide our future initiatives.
​​​
We Want to Hear from You!

We value your insights and feedback as we continue to expand our resources. If you have found any of our research or tools useful, or if you have suggestions for how we can better support your work, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Share your thoughts and stories with us at info@nationalequityatlas.org.
​​​​​​
— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Dear Atlas users,

Millions of households across the United States are still struggling with massive amounts of back rent, putting them and their families at risk for eviction. Use the Rent Debt Dashboard to delve deeper into the latest data on rent debt in the US. Here are more updates from the Atlas:

Landmark Settlement Reached on Behalf of Californians Struggling with Pandemic Rent Debt

The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE Action), Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), and PolicyLink — represented by Western Center on Law & Poverty, Public Counsel, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, and Covington & Burling LLP — have settled a major lawsuit against the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) over the administration of the statewide Covid-19 rent relief program. In June 2022, the advocacy groups sued HCD for several systemic failures in the program, including a confusing application process that led eligible tenants to be wrongfully denied assistance. According to Atlas analyses, more than 460,000 California renter households applied to the program and more than 100,000 households are still waiting for a decision on their applications. The agreement requires HCD to give pending and denied applicants a fair chance to receive Covid-19 rental assistance. To learn more about the settlement and what it means for tenants, visit carentrelief.org.

Data Update: Rent Debt Dashboard

Rent debt remains at crisis levels across the nation. To continue supporting advocacy efforts and policy action, we’ve updated the Rent Debt Dashboard. The latest data shows that nearly six million renter households remain behind on their rent as of May 8 — about double the pre-pandemic baseline. Altogether, they owe more than $10 billion in total rent debt, with the majority of those behind on rent being low-income people of color.

ICYMI: The Uneven Geography of Affordability for Asian American and Pacific Islander Renters

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are among the fastest-growing communities across the US: between 2010 and 2019, the AAPI population grew by 18 percent, whereas the overall US population grew by only 5 percent. However, the AAPI experience in the US is not monolithic. The second report in our series exploring the changing geography of opportunity in US metros indicates that different AAPI subgroups and ethnicities have widely divergent experiences with rental affordability, with Pacific Islanders experiencing the steepest challenges. Want to delve deeper? You can use this dashboard to explore the differences between and within AAPI communities across the nation.

Atlas in the News

Over the past few months, Atlas data and analyses have been cited by dozens of news outlets, including Axios, MarketWatch, Los Angeles Times, TMJ4 News, and The Wall Street Journal. To explore more of our media coverage, visit our news archive.

Atlas on the Road

The Atlas team and our partners facilitate learning sessions and provide presentations on a regular basis to share new data, indicators, best practices, and functionalities. Here’s a brief look at some of our recent presentations: On June 15, Michelle Huang and Simone Robbenolt facilitated a session at Governing for All: California, a convening hosted by the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) in partnership with PolicyLink and State of Equity. During it, participants learned how to use the Atlas as a tool for finding disaggregated data and local strategies to support their work. Simone and Michelle facilitated a virtual session with the 2023 Transformative Justice Infrastructure Fellows on June 8, where they did a walkthrough of how the Atlas could support the implementation of transformative infrastructure-related projects, programs, and processes. On June 9, Selena Tan and Seleeke Flingai joined experts from Recidiviz and the Black Wealth Data Center at a Data Funders Collaborative monthly town hall for a panel discussion about creating a demand for public data with a lens on equity. On June 1, Seleeke and Edward-Michael Muña demonstrated how Atlas data can be put into action through a brief showing of the regional equity profiles being built to support community groups that are looking to leverage funds from the statewide Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) program. The session was part of the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI) learning series. To learn more, download the slide deck from the session or watch the session recording. On May 25, Selena showcased the Atlas and our approach to data equity at the Leadership Conference Education Fund ’s Data Disaggregation Action Network meeting. On April 28, Michelle and Selena presented at the 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Institute, which was hosted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. During the session, they delved into the Atlas’ approach to data equity and data democratization in developing analyses and working with community-based organizations on equity policy. Interested in hosting a presentation or training? Contact us at info@nationalequityatlas.org.

— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Dear Atlas users,

Atlas data shows that at least half of renters are currently rent burdened in 57 of the 100 largest cities in the United States. Research has shown that rent-burdened households are more likely to experience financial instability and be at risk of eviction. Through our research, we continue to explore how housing unaffordability impacts families across the nation. Here are the latest updates from the Atlas:

New Atlas Research Illustrates The Uneven Geography of Affordability for Asian American and Pacific Islander Renters

The second report in our series exploring the changing geography of opportunity in American metropolitan regions indicates that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) renters experienced an uneven distribution of housing affordability across ethnic groups and geographic regions during the period between the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. Our analysis of changes in market rent and median household income for AAPI residents in the 100 largest US metros shows that AAPI residents have been disproportionately concentrated in the least affordable regions. It also underscores that AAPI communities’ relatively high median incomes can obscure the presence of many low-income AAPI renters who struggle with finding safe and secure housing. To further illustrate these findings, we explore the various housing challenges that AAPI residents face in the Honolulu, Atlanta, Philadelphia/New York, and Los Angeles metropolitan areas. Visit the project page to assess other resources, including a dashboard you can use to explore the differences between and within AAPI communities across the US.

An Equity Profile of Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo County, Michigan, is growing more diverse. But our latest equity profile — developed in partnership with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and local community leaders — details how a long history of racial discrimination and disinvestment in the region’s communities of color have created entrenched and persistent racial inequities in employment, income, wealth, education, health, justice, housing, and transportation. These growing gaps are costing the county an estimated $1 billion in potential economic growth each year. Learn more.

Data Update: Rent Debt Dashboard

Our updated Rent Debt Dashboard shows that more than 5 million renters remain in debt, with an estimated total rent debt of more than $11 billion nationwide, as of April 10. The majority of those behind on rent are low-income people of color. This new data underscores the magnitude of the rent debt crisis in communities across the country and the continued urgency of providing tenant protections to keep families in their homes and curb the surge of evictions that have followed the end of pandemic eviction moratoriums.

Meet the 2024 Class of National Equity Atlas Fellows

In case you missed it, we announced our second cohort of equity champions — 10 grassroots leaders of color from across the nation who will spend the next year sharpening their data skills and producing new data visualizations and other research products to strengthen their organization’s policy and advocacy campaigns. In the face of mounting challenges, the Atlas remains committed to bolstering the impact of dedicated advocates who reflect the communities they serve, which is a critical ingredient to winning on equity. Learn more about our fellowship program.

Atlas in the News

Over the past few months, Atlas data and analyses have been cited in dozens of news articles: Findings from our September 2022 report on Prop 22’s impact on rideshare drivers was cited in a piece from The San Francisco Standard about rideshare and food delivery drivers grappling with tipping issues. The report was also cited in a piece from The Guardian about drivers calling for the regulation of rideshare companies. Our rent debt data was cited in a CalMatters article on rising evictions in Los Angeles County and a CNBC article detailing solutions for those grappling with rent debt. To explore more of our media coverage, visit our news archive.

We Want to Hear from You!

If you’ve found any of our data, research, or resources valuable, please let us know. Share your questions, thoughts, and stories with us at info@nationalequityatlas.org.

— The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)

Dear Atlas users,

The Bay Area has long been entangled in a housing crisis — and all signs point to it continuing to worsen. Our latest analysis and feature story illustrate how rising housing costs and uneven wage growth are straining household budgets and jeopardizing the region’s diversity, growth, and prosperity. With a renewed push to tackle the region's housing crisis underway, data on how it is affecting residents is a key ingredient in securing the policies needed to stabilize families and keep them in their homes. Here are more housing-related updates from the Atlas:

Bay Area Residents Grapple with an Ongoing Housing Crisis and Rising Housing Costs

In the third analysis in our four-part series on the region’s recovery, we examine how Covid-19 has impacted housing affordability. The most current data shows that neighborhoods across the entire nine-county region have become less affordable for renters and homebuyers alike since the pandemic began. An estimated 89,000 Bay Area households were behind on rent at the end of February, with residents of color bearing an outsized share of this regional rent debt. Renters have also accrued significant amounts of “shadow debt” because they’ve been forced to borrow money from people or lending institutions to cover their unpaid rent. Explore the Bay Area Recovery Tracker to delve deeper into the data and our insights.

In Focus: Rent Burden in the Bay Area

At the beginning of the pandemic, Joseph Alvarez moved to an apartment complex in Petaluma with his wife and children. It was the closest and most affordable option near his job in San Rafael. When their lease was up for renewal, the family was hit with a rent increase. Now, Joseph worries that they’ll be priced out of the area if this trend continues because his income is not increasing at the same rate. He is among 24 percent of the renters in Petaluma who are severely rent burdened, those who spend 50 percent or more of their monthly income on rent. In the nine-county region, nearly half (47 percent) of renters are rent burdened, which means that 30 percent of their income goes toward paying rent. Learn more about Joseph’s story — and find data on eliminating rent burden for your community.

Photo: Felix Uribe

Atlas in the News

Over the past month, our data and insights have been featured in several local outlets. Here’s a brief roundup: the San Francisco Chronicle's Soleil Ho included data from our homeownership indicator in an op-ed about the fight over tenant protections in the Bay Area. Mercury News also cited Atlas data on homeownership rates in a piece about the growing gap between Black and white homeownership across the region. The Bay Area News’ Kiley Russell covered our report on the economic challenges still facing the region’s communities of color and low-income communities. For more Atlas-related media coverage, explore our news archive.

Thank you,

Bay Area Equity Atlas team

Dear Atlas users,

As 2022 comes to an end, we're celebrating what has been both a productive and transformative year for our team and partners. This year, we produced more than 30 data products, including reports, fact sheets, equity profiles, dashboards, and analyses, that have helped communities and advocates across the nation win on equity. Here are a few more updates from the Atlas to close out the year:

Applications for the National Equity Atlas Fellowship Are Now Open!

Are you a mid-career grassroots leader of color who’s interested in learning how to leverage data to bolster your organization’s campaigns? We’re now accepting applications for the second cohort of National Equity Atlas Fellows. This year-long program offers selected participants hands-on training in data analysis and visualization, opportunities to engage with data and policy experts, access to a peer network of other community-based leaders from across the United States, and dedicated support in developing original data projects. The deadline for applications is January 21, 2023, and the fellowship will begin in March 2023. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit nationalequityatlas.org/lab/fellowship-cohort2.

Ensuring Workers in the Miami Metropolitan Area Are Prepared for the Jobs of Tomorrow

South Florida’s economic rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic has been turbulent, driven by persistent barriers to quality employment prospects for residents of color and an elevated risk of automation-driven job displacement. Our latest workforce equity report — produced in partnership with Florida International University — examines what these upheavals and ongoing racial economic exclusion are costing the three-county region. Our in-depth analysis of disaggregated equity indicators and labor market dynamics found that Black workers and Hispanic women in the Miami metropolitan region have the lowest median wages at $16 per hour, while white men earn the highest median wages at $27 per hour — a 69 percent pay gap. The research also indicates that eliminating racial gaps in wages and employment for working-age people could boost South Florida's economy by $122 billion a year. Download the full report, and explore other regional analyses in our Advancing Workforce Equity project.

Join Our Team

The USC Equity Research Institute invites applicants to apply for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship in support of the research and activities of the Atlas. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to building data infrastructure for the equity movement, conduct quantitative and qualitative research, and participate in engagements with community advocates and policymakers. Please help us spread the word!

Thanks for Being a Part of Our Growing Network

We appreciate your continued support and interest in our work. Please stay tuned for new research, updated data, and more opportunities to connect with us in 2023! In the meantime, if you’ve found any of our data, research, or resources valuable this year, we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and stories with us at info@nationalequityatlas.org.


- The National Equity Atlas Team at PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI)