New York City has for decades collected data about itself through more than 2,500 statistical indicators. But now, that number has been chopped down to about 1,200. Officials say it creates a streamlined look at the city, but others call it a loss.
The city stopped producing its report with the complete 2,500 statistical indicators last year, and some in the city feel the missing data leaves part of the city's story untold -- and unable to be affected by relevant policies.
"'Just because a data element has been collected for 30 years doesn't make it a useful data element,' said Jeffrey A. Kay, the director of the Mayor's Office of Operations, who oversees the publication of the Mayor's Management Report. 'We inherited about 2,500 indicators. We then pared it down to about 1,200. And that's pretty much what we have today.'
But critics say many of the indicators that were eliminated were important measures of the city's performance - and said they were surprised that statistics were pared under a mayor who believes that quantitative measurements are crucial to solving problems.
'There are some significant statistics that have dropped out,' said Doug Turetsky, a spokesman for the nonpartisan Independent Budget Office. He cited statistics on drunken driving arrests, the total number of runs by Fire Department vehicles and arrests for violating orders of protection."
FULL STORY: Statistically Speaking, at Least, the City Is a Quieter Place These Days
Promised Data-Driven Infrastructure On Hold at Hudson Yards
When the Manhattan megadevelopment got its start, big data was a major part of Hudson Yards' marketing pitch. Now it's "probably the last thing we'll get to."
Using Yelp to Predict Gentrification
New research draws on the popular review site Yelp to predict changes in housing prices and demographics.
DataUSA: An Intuitive Tool for Public Data
A collaboration between Deloitte, Datawheel, and MIT has produced an intuitive aesthetically-pleasing gathering point for public data in the United States. Specific locations and industries boast easy-to-read profiles.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie