#ThisWeekInData April 14, 2023

• April 14, 2023
• Civic Data

Brookings Institute: The geography of crime in four U.S. cities: Perceptions and reality

In a post-COVID world, many cities are grappling with how to regrow the urban core and downtown businesses. One of the stumbling blocks that is frequently referenced is crime, but without clear data it’s hard to know if this is actually true, or if fears of crime are actually on the increase. The Brookings Institute used statistics, crime data, and spatial analysis to reveal if crime is on the rise and if perceptions of crime are outpacing actual incidents. 

IDC Smart Cities: Smart Cities Awards North America Winners

The 17 winners of the IDC Smart Cities Awards for North America were announced Wednesday April 12th, in categories including urban planning and land use, civic engagement, next-generation emergency services, and digital equity. Awarded municipalities include Colorado Springs, CO; Malden, MA; Houston, TX; Phoenix, AZ; and Syracuse, NY.   

NYU Center for Data Science: Using computer vision to improve sidewalk maps 

A new tool from NYU researchers helps city planners and community leaders understand and expand existing pedestrian infrastructure. The open-source tool combines “aerial imagery and image recognition to map out sidewalks, crosswalks, and walkways.”

Government Technology: Code for America Tool Boosts Access to Safety Net Benefits 

This spring, many of the pandemic benefits put in place during the early months of COVID-19 are coming to an end. As folks will lose access to these increased benefits, like housing/rental assistance and food stamps or SNAP, Code for America has developed a new digital tool that easily and efficiently guides users through benefits sign-ups in their state. The visual, easy-to-use tool will also help folks identify benefits they’re eligible for but currently not enrolled in.