Using Data For Local Government Comprehensive Planning Processes

by Tre'Vaughn Heathon Posted on
LinkedIn
Data in a local government comprehensive planning process

The global data sphere is expected to reach 175 zettabytes by 2025.

According to a report by IDC, the global data sphere is expected to reach 175 zettabytes by 2025. This is a massive increase from the 33 zettabytes of data that existed in 2018. According to researchers, that’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 61% between 2018 and 2025. Data isn’t only changing local government comprehensive planning processes, it’s also changing the world in a number of other ways.

One of the most significant ways is through the use of big data and machine learning, which is allowing companies and organizations to analyze vast amounts of information and make better decisions. This is leading to improvements in areas such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. Additionally, the use of data is helping create more personalized experiences for consumers, such as personalized product recommendations and targeted ads.

Data is also helping in the field of scientific research with data-driven discovery in fields such as astrophysics, bio-medicine, and materials science. With the help of data, scientists and researchers are able to make more accurate predictions, identify patterns and uncover new insights.

New insights from data are also playing a role in the development of smart cities and the Internet of Things, which are making it possible to manage resources more efficiently and improve the quality of life for citizens. Furthermore, data is also being used to improve public services and help the local government comprehensive planning process.

Data is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and play, by providing enabling new opportunities to be discovered and exploited. Here’s what else we cover in this article:

  • What type of data
  • Resources for collecting the data
  • Why collect data for a plan?
  • Bring it all into the comprehensive planning process

Collecting data for the local government comprehensive planning process: Which types of data should you collect?

Demographic data

Age, gender, income, education level, and race/ethnicity. This data can help you understand the needs and characteristics of the community.

Economic data

This includes information on employment, income, and business activity. This data helps you understand the economic health of the community and identify opportunities for growth and development.

Land use data

This is information on the types of land use, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. Local governments obtain this to understand how land is being used and identify areas for potential development or conservation.

Transportation data

Information on the transportation infrastructure, such as roads, public transit, and bike/walk paths. This type of data can help a municipality identify areas for transportation improvement and identify opportunities for alternative modes of transportation.

Environmental data

This is data about natural resources, such as water, air, and soil. This information can help the government identify areas for environmental conservation and identify potential environmental hazards.

Social data

Lastly, social data is information on the community’s social characteristics, such as crime rates, health, education, and community engagement, helping a municipality identify areas for social improvement and opportunities for community building.

Collecting data for the local government comprehensive planning process: How do you collect the data?

Surveys

Surveys can be used to collect information from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders about their needs, opinions, and concerns. They can be conducted through the mail, phone, or online platforms.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is a technology that allows the government to store, analyze, and visualize spatial data. It can be used to collect data on land use, transportation, and other physical features of the community.

Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the process of collecting data from a distance, usually using aircraft or satellites. It’s used to collect data on land use, vegetation, and other environmental features of the community.

Census Data

Census data is a valuable source of information on the population, demographics, housing, and other characteristics of the community. Census data is collected every 10 years on top of the American Community Survey (ACS) providing detailed data on different topics every year.

Public Records

Public records such as building permits, zoning, and land use records provide valuable information about the community’s physical and built environment.

Research and Reports

Research and reports are used to collect data on a wide range of topics, such as economic trends, environmental conditions, and social issues. These resources are usually found through government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.

Why collect data for a local government comprehensive planning process?

Collecting data is crucial throughout a local government comprehensive planning process. Data allows them to gain a better understanding of the community they serve and to make informed decisions that’ll improve the quality of life for residents.

The use of data helps identify issues and opportunities in the community, such as areas of high crime, underdeveloped neighborhoods, or areas with inadequate transportation infrastructure. This information can be used to develop policies and programs that address specific community needs.

Data also provides a baseline for measuring the effectiveness of policies and programs. By collecting data before and after a program is implemented, local governments can assess whether the program is meeting its goals and make necessary adjustments.

Engage the community by using data. By sharing data and soliciting input from residents, municipalities can build trust and increase transparency. This helps foster a more inclusive and participatory planning process.

Using data can also identify trends and patterns, such as demographic changes, economic trends, and environmental issues. This information can be used to plan for the future to anticipate and prepare for potential challenges.

To summarize, collecting data is essential throughout the local government comprehensive planning process. It allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the community, make informed decisions, measure the effectiveness of policies and programs, engage with the community, and plan for the future.

Bringing it all together and using it in a local government comprehensive planning process

Using data in the local government comprehensive planning process allows an agency to make actionable steps by analyzing that data on population demographics, economic activity, land use, transportation, and other relevant factors.

This information can be used to identify trends and patterns, set goals and objectives, and develop strategies for achieving them. For example, data on population growth and demographics can be used to plan for future housing and infrastructure needs, while data on economic activity can inform decisions about land use and transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, data on traffic patterns and public transit usage can inform decisions about transportation planning. Finally, it’s important that local governments involve stakeholders and community members in the data collection and analysis process to ensure that the planning decisions are aligned with the community’s needs and priorities.

We thought you might also like: