Dear Atlas users,

The crisis of housing affordability remains an urgent challenge for communities across the country, and it’s being driven by both national and local forces. As our research has shown, ensuring all households have access to safe and affordable housing is key to an equitable recovery and a strong economy built on shared prosperity. The National Equity Atlas and our partners continue to provide guidance and support to those working to build a more just housing future for us all. Here are more updates:

The Shrinking Geography of Opportunity in Metro America

The first report in our series exploring the changing geography of opportunity in American metropolitan regions illustrates the growing gap in access to affordable housing and opportunity-rich neighborhoods for working-class, Black, and Latinx renters. Eighty-one of the 100 most populous regions in the United States saw a decline in affordability between 2013 and 2019, with Black households, in particular, facing an extremely limited and diminishing number of neighborhood choices. Our analysis shows that this trend is reinforcing long-standing patterns of racial segregation and creating new ones. Explore more findings and our policy recommendations — and stay tuned for the forthcoming reports from this series.

Thousands of Households in California Are Still Waiting for Rent Relief

More than 461,000 renter households applied to California’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), staking their families’ futures on its promise to cover 100 percent of Covid-related rent debt. Our latest ERAP analysis shows that more than 45,000 households are still waiting for their applications to be reviewed and 133,707 households have been denied assistance as of July 13. And newly obtained data on the basis for denials shows that the vast majority of applications (83 percent) were denied for one or both of two reasons — “non-responsiveness” and “inconsistent/unverifiable information” — which tenant advocates have cited as being problematic. See our dashboard for data down to the zip code level, and find all of our analyses at the California ERAP hub.

Advancing Workforce Equity in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio, has one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, but our report on the region’s workforce shows that the prosperity generated by its tremendous growth has not been shared equitably. In fact, workers of color tend to be overrepresented in lower-paying occupational groups, while white workers are overrepresented in higher-paying professions. Our research indicates that eliminating racial inequities in employment and wages could boost the Columbus regional economy by about $10 billion a year. Download the full report and explore the other regional analyses in our Advancing Workforce Equity project.

Join Our Team!

Our team is actively recruiting for a Senior Associate to lead Atlas research engagements with community partners, including the development of reports, analyses, and local equity data tools; contribute research and data support to the Bay Area Equity Atlas, and support the further development of the Atlas tool. The ideal candidate is passionate about producing data and research that is relevant and actionable for those working on the front lines to advance racial economic equity. Please help us spread the word!

Atlas Fellows

In case you missed it, we launched the National Equity Atlas Fellowship with 12 visionary leaders. This new program provides intensive, hands-on data training and support to grassroots leaders of color working to advance racial and economic equity. Click here to learn more about the fellows and their work.

Atlas in Action

Over the past few months, our data and analyses have informed dozens of news articles, the development of new tools, and advocacy efforts: Our ERAP analyses and key findings have been covered in both national and California media outlets, including CalMatters, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Public Press, and Politico. Our September 2021 report on the share of federal contracts going to small businesses and insights from Atlas team Eliza McCullough anchored a CNBC piece exploring trends in federal contracting. In addition, Atlas data has been used in the Partnership for the Bay's Future’s Housing Readiness Report — a new tool that helps Bay Area residents track, monitor, and get involved in their city’s housing plans and policies. We also have shared our work with a diverse set of audiences through dozens of presentations, including the 2022 Pennsylvania State of the Union on Latino Health, the CFLeads Community Foundation Equity Network Meeting, the 2022 Community Indicator Consortium Symposium, and the National Association of County & City Health Officials Virtual Symposium.

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

Dear Atlas Users,

Happy 2021 from the National Equity Atlas team! While this new year brings changes in federal and local administrations, the devastating impacts of Covid-19 continue, particularly for communities of color. The Atlas team remains focused on leveraging our data capacity to support the movement for racial and economic equity—producing unique analyses, building partnerships, and sharing our work with the field to strengthen local organizing and policy efforts. Here are some updates:

Five Regional Reports Highlight Workforce Inequities and Strategies for an Equitable Recovery

As our nation faces overlapping and interconnected public health and economic crises, now is a critical time to move beyond a narrow skills-driven approach to workforce development and dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that lead to deep racial inequities in the labor market. This week, we released five new reports that will catalyze action on workforce equity in Boston (with SkillWorks), Chicago (with the Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance), Dallas (with Pathways to Work), the San Francisco Bay Area (with ReWork the Bay), and Seattle (with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County). These reports are part of the Advancing Workforce Equity project, a partnership between the National Equity Atlas, Burning Glass Technologies, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and with support from JPMorgan Chase.

On January 26, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions hosted a virtual launch event which featured local leaders from each community as well as Angela Glover Blackwell (PolicyLink), Amanda Cage (National Fund for Workforce Solutions), and Monique Baptiste (JPMorgan Chase & Co).

Atlas Team Finds Over One Million Californians are Behind on Rent

In partnership with Housing NOW! California, we produced a fact sheet that sheds new light on the magnitude of the rent debt challenge in California and its potential impacts on racial equity, household finances, and public health. Based on the latest Census Household Pulse Survey data, 1.1 million renter households in California—one in five—are currently behind on their rent. We estimate that the average rent debt per household is $3,400 and the total rent debt in California is about $3.7 billion. The vast majority of those behind rent are low-wage workers of color disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, revealing how clearing this debt is critical to prevent the growth of the racial wealth gap and make an equitable recovery possible. Our findings were covered by news stations including NBC Bay Area, KRON4, CBS Local, and KION 546.

Analysis Reveals Large Disparities in Unemployment Filings by Race and Education

Using data from California Policy Lab, our recent analysis highlights how California’s Black workers are experiencing disproportionate unemployment in the Covid recession due to structural racism embedded in the labor market. About 85 percent of California’s Black workforce has filed for unemployment at some point since March 15, which is more than double the rate for White, Latinx, and Asian or Pacific Islander workers. Virtually all Black workers with no post-secondary education (99 percent) have filed for unemployment insurance since March. Immediate policy changes, from expanded unemployment insurance benefits to building worker power, is required to overcome these dramatic disparities driven by racism embedded in our labor markets and education system. Read the analysis here.

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

Dear Atlas Users,

As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on a year filled with meaningful work, inspiring collaborations, and deeper dives into the data related to equity in the Bay Area. This year, we explored critical issues like housing affordability, demographic shifts, and economic insecurity, while amplifying the stories of the region’s resilient communities. Here’s a look back at our highlights from 2024:

Unpacking the Region’s Housing Affordability Crisis

The Bay Area’s housing crisis continues to be a defining challenge for the region. Our analysis this year highlighted how chronic shortages of affordable homes, coupled with an overemphasis on market-rate and luxury developments, have worsened overcrowding and driven vacancy rates to historic lows. As the population grows and affordable options remain scarce, bold, community-centered solutions are crucial to addressing these long-standing inequities. This issue of housing insecurity also resonated in Redwood City and Salinas, where more than half of households are renters burdened by rising costs. In response, we released two housing affordability factsheets spotlighting proposed ordinances to stabilize rents, prevent unjust evictions, and improve housing conditions. This work, strengthened by partnerships with local advocacy groups like Faith in Action Bay Area and Public Advocates, has underscored the importance of collaboration in driving systemic change.

Exploring Black Communities in the Bay Area

We were proud to launch Black in the Bay Area, a research series that explores the evolving demographics of the region’s Black population. The first installment, Who is Black in the Bay Area?, delves into the complexities of immigration trends, ancestral diversity, and multiracial identity, challenging long-standing narratives of decline. This analysis highlights the region’s growing and dynamic Black community and provides new insights into critical indicators such as income, education, and representation. Accompanied by an updated interactive dashboard, this work equips both communities and policymakers with valuable tools to better understand the needs and experiences of Black residents, fostering a deeper, more nuanced approach to addressing equity across the Bay Area.

Amplifying Community Voices

Our “In Their Own Words…” series continues to bridge the gap between data and lived experience, amplifying the voices of Bay Area residents facing systemic challenges. This year, the series highlighted stories that addressed urgent issues such as homelessness and the need for more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, offering a window into the resilience, creativity, and determination of people navigating these obstacles. By centering these personal narratives, we seek to deepen public understanding of the complex equity issues that shape life in the Bay Area and inspire concrete actions toward lasting change. As we continue to expand this series, we are actively seeking new stories that focus on disconnected youth, police use of force, and other critical indicators that reflect the diverse experiences of our communities. If you know of anyone whose experiences would be valuable to share, or if you have ideas for new stories, please contact us at info@bayareaequityatlas.org.

Adding New Indicators

This year, we expanded the Atlas with the addition of two critical indicators: basic family needs and experiencing homelessness. These new measures provide a deeper understanding of the disparities that persist across racial, gender, and geographic lines, offering valuable insights into the systemic inequities that continue to shape the Bay Area. These indicators paint a stark picture of the intersection between housing insecurity and economic hardship, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. By illuminating these challenges, we aim to spark meaningful dialogue and action that addresses the root causes of homelessness and economic instability in our region.

Informing Media Coverage on Equity Issues

Our data has played a key role in shaping coverage of local issues, ensuring that equity and justice are central to the conversation. In April, El Tímpano, a community-driven news initiative focused on amplifying the voices of the Bay Area’s Latino and Mayan immigrant communities, featured our data on extreme commutes in a powerful report highlighting how rising living costs are pushing low-wage workers to relocate to more distant areas with limited transit access. Earlier in the year, Lynbrook High School student reporters used our insights to explore the Bay Area’s shrinking middle class, producing a compelling feature that illuminated the region’s widening disparities.

Reaffirming Our Commitment to You

Thank you for your continued engagement with the Bay Area Equity Atlas. Our work this year has highlighted the interconnectedness of systemic inequities and the urgent need for bold, transformative solutions. As we look ahead to 2025, we wish you a joyful holiday season and look forward to building on this critical work together in the year to come.

— Bay Area Equity Atlas Team

Read Stephanie’s Story

Explore More of Our Feature Stories

We’re proud to showcase our signature “In Their Own Words…” series — a data-driven storytelling project that provides a unique lens for exploring the complex, real-world issues shaping the Bay Area. Through this project, we amplify the lived experiences of residents navigating challenges like unaffordable housing and economic insecurity. By weaving together personal narratives with Atlas data, we provide more in-depth insights into the struggles many people across the region face. These stories highlight the diversity, resilience, and ingenuity of local communities while offering a call to action for regional transformation.

Explore the StoryMap

Unpacking the Bay Area’s Affordable Housing Crisis

The Bay Area’s housing crisis, a decades-long issue, has worsened within the last two decades. This decline has been driven by a chronic shortage of affordable homes. Our latest analysis takes a deeper look at the ongoing housing challenges across the nine-county region. The findings reveal that population growth has consistently outpaced housing development, contributing to overcrowded households and declining vacancy rates. The shortfall in affordable housing has been further exacerbated by a focus on market-rate and luxury developments, which have overshadowed the urgent need for affordable options. Addressing this gap will require bold action and a shift in priorities to create housing solutions that truly serve all.

Dive into the Report

These features highlight just a fraction of the impactful stories and data driving understanding and action across our region. Visit our website to dive deeper into these resources and learn more.
 

Explore the Report

Mapping Housing Equity Efforts in the Bay Area

What will it take to resolve the Bay Area’s housing crisis? Our latest StoryMap provides a compelling examination of the critical role community organizations play in advocating for affordable housing and tenant protections across the region. It emphasizes the interconnected nature of housing initiatives led by ECL members and their organizations, with a focus on equitable governance, community mobilization, and the production and preservation of affordable homes. Through sustained organizing and active community engagement, these organizations are tackling immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions. Together, their efforts embody a shared vision for a more inclusive and just Bay Area, where every resident has access to safe, affordable, and high-quality housing.

Explore the StoryMap

Defining Housing Equity Terms for the Bay Area

To further support our readers, we have developed a housing equity glossary specifically designed for the Bay Area. It provides clear and comprehensive definitions of key terms, concepts, and policies related to housing justice and equitable community development. By demystifying the often complex language surrounding housing equity, this resource empowers readers to engage more effectively in discussions and solutions that shape our region’s housing landscape.

Access the Glossary

We invite you to explore these resources and consider how they can support advocacy efforts for equitable housing solutions in your community. We also welcome you to share your stories, questions, and insights with us, as your experiences and perspectives will help enrich this growing body of research.

Delve into the Analysis

Visualizing the Black Community and Experience in the Bay Area

We are also proud to introduce an updated interactive dashboard that allows users to explore this data in a dynamic and accessible way. The dashboard offers a visual representation of the key indicators affecting Black communities across various cities and counties in the region. Users can delve into specific metrics such as educational attainment, income levels, and representation, making it easier to understand and engage with the data.

Explore the Dashboard

Using These Resources to Drive Action in Your Community

Whether you are an advocate seeking to identify key areas for intervention, a policymaker aiming to shape effective policies, or a community member interested in understanding local trends, this growing suite of resources is a powerful asset you can leverage to drive transformative change.

We encourage you to explore the data, interact with the dashboard, and join us in pushing for equitable solutions that create a more just and inclusive region for all.

Dear Atlas Users,

As we transition into fall, we’re excited to share the latest research and resources we’ve released. From examining the shifting demographics of Black communities in the Bay Area to amplifying local voices through data-driven storytelling, we’ve continued equipping advocates, policymakers, and community leaders with the insights they need to drive equitable change across the region. Now we invite you to explore the updates below, engage with our tools, and take action to help create a more equitable Bay Area for all.

Exploring the Shifting Demographics of Black Communities in the Bay Area

This summer, we launched Black in the Bay Area, our research series that examines the evolving landscape of the region’s Black population. The first analysis in this series — Who is Black in the Bay Area? — provides key insights into immigration patterns, changes in ancestry, and the complexities of multiracial identity, challenging traditional narratives of decline. Alongside the analysis, we’ve released an updated interactive dashboard, offering dynamic, accessible data on key indicators like education, income, and representation across the Bay Area.

Amplifying the Voices and Lived Experiences of Bay Area Residents

We’re proud to reflect on the success of one of our signature features — the “In Their Own Words…” series. This data-driven storytelling project has provided a unique lens for exploring the local context of critical equity issues, such as housing instability, linguistic isolation, transit inaccessibility, and economic insecurity. By amplifying personal stories from people who live and work across the region, we’ve brought Atlas data to life, offering a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the challenges many residents face. These stories continue to highlight the diversity, resilience, and ingenuity that define Bay Area communities. Explore the story map.

New Indicators Shed Light on Economic Insecurity and Homelessness in the Bay Area

We’ve added two new indicators to the Atlas: basic family needs and experiencing homelessness. They provide data-driven insights into the challenges families face in meeting their essential needs and the stark realities of homelessness in the region. Each indicator features 25 detailed displays that break down data by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and trends over time. These displays are further enhanced by informative maps and rankings that illustrate the geographic and demographic nuances of these issues. By integrating these new indicators into the Atlas, we aim to shed light on the persistent economic and housing inequities impacting communities across the Bay Area, while also lifting up actionable solutions to address these issues.

Data Update: Bay Area Recovery Dollars Tracker

The December 31, 2024 deadline to obligate funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program is fast approaching. Localities have until the end of this year to complete their obligation or the remaining dollars will be returned to the US Treasury. To continue bolstering efforts to ensure these funds are invested equitably, we’ve updated the Bay Area Recovery Dollars Tracker to reflect city and county spending plans through March 31, 2024. Our latest assessment reveals that the 33 larger Bay Area localities reflected in the dataset have made plans to spend $2.8 billion (93 percent) of their $3 billion SLFRF funds, leaving $222 million (7 percent) left for them to allocate. Learn more.

New Housing Affordability Factsheets: Redwood City and Salinas

We’re excited to share two factsheets we developed to highlight the housing affordability challenges in Redwood City and Salinas, where more than half of households are renters and many of them are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs. In Redwood City, a proposed fair and affordable housing ordinance aims to stabilize rents, protect against unjust evictions, and improve living conditions, potentially saving rent-burdened households an average of $15,300 annually. The City of Salinas is working on a rental stabilization ordinance that would offer similar protections, with rent-burdened households standing to save an average of $8,300 per year. Both factsheets were developed in partnership with local housing advocacy groups, including Faith in Action Bay Area, Affordable Redwood City, Public Advocates, and BHC Monterey County.

Get Involved: An Open Call for Stories

We are currently sourcing additional stories for our “In Their Own Words…” series — and we could use your assistance. We are actively seeking stories that would align with the following indicators: disconnected youth, employment, basic family needs, police use of force, homeownership, and economic gains: racial equity in income. If you know of anyone whose experiences would be valuable to share, or if you have ideas for new stories, please contact us at info@bayareaequityatlas.org.

— Bay Area Equity Atlas Team

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