This summer, PolicyMap rolled out an exciting array of new datasets and data updates. Explore the latest datasets that uncover hidden disparities, highlight at-risk populations, and power more informed, impactful decision-making. Dig deeper with PolicyMap and see how some of our new indicators can enhance your work!
PolicyMap supports environmental justice efforts by allowing users to better understand and visualize how environmental and climate conditions impact historically vulnerable populations. Users can explore data like the 30+ indicators from the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), which helps guide the strategic allocation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) grants to historically disadvantaged communities. Or leverage FEMA’s National Risk Index (NRI) to assess the economic impact on regions and communities affected by hurricanes and floods. The NRI empowers users to develop targeted interventions for populations most at risk from climate-related disasters, driving more informed and effective environmental justice strategies.
New health and social determinants of health (SDOH) indicators on PolicyMap provide valuable insights for a wide range of users. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) help identify regions with significant healthcare gaps, enabling targeted interventions in underserved communities. For a more comprehensive view of patient populations, users can go beyond health data by incorporating SDOH indicators. For example, HUD homelessness data allows users to analyze the impact of non-health factors like homelessness on health outcomes, while Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap dataset supports efforts to address food insecurity in vulnerable areas. Layering health and SDOH datasets provides a holistic view, informing effective healthcare and community-based solutions.
New indicators on PolicyMap help banks and financial institutions assess eligibility for federal programs and meet regulatory obligations. For banks aiming to fulfill their Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements, PolicyMap provides insights into underserved areas, such as regions lacking bank branches, allowing for more informed investment and service expansion decisions. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can leverage PolicyMap to complete New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) applications and confirm compliance by ensuring that a required percentage of their investments are in designated CDFI investment areas. Additionally, credit unions can use PolicyMap to apply for CDFI certification, facilitate service area expansions, and select new branch locations, enhancing their ability to serve communities in need.
Want to explore how these updates can enhance your analysis? Fill out the form below to get in touch with our team and learn more about how PolicyMap’s newest datasets can support your projects. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock deeper insights for your work, schedule a free demo!