Description:

The American Bankruptcy Institute provides information on consumer and business bankruptcy filings each quarter. Data are from the Administrative Office of the US Courts.

Description:

Boxwood Means, Inc., the real estate research firm and Value Added Reseller of residential and commercial data from the nation's largest vendor of real estate information, calculated median home sale price, residential sales volume, loan-to-value ratio and percent change in the median sale price for several time periods. These indicators were provided to TRF at the summary levels of blockgroup, tract, county, Census place, zipcode, and state. Indicators are shown only for areas where there is complete coverage of all contained geographies. TRF has licensed the use of this data from Boxwood Means for use in its PolicyMap application.

PolicyMap includes the counts and median sale prices of recent home sales for 2006 through 2010 (annual), as well as quarterly figures. Percent changes in median sale prices are available for one- and three-year intervals as well as from 2001 to 2006, 2003 to 2006, and 2005 to 2006. Every few months, updated quarterly data will be added to PolicyMap. Due to the elapsed time between property sale transactions, Boxwood's receipt of county sales reports and their transmission of the data to TRF, PolicyMap data will generally lag two quarters behind the current date.

When PolicyMap refers to residential sales, it means the subset of sales that are at-arms-length transactions, over $5,000 in value and only includes properties with a completed structure; so-called "dollar sales," sales of vacant land, development lots, and multifamily residential buildings are excluded. Real Estate Owned (REO) properties are excluded, as are Sheriff Sale transactions. For single family homes damaged by natural disaster, if they are listed as "Single Family Residence" and show an improvement value of $50,000, they are counted as a transaction. If a home's value is completely lost following a natural disaster (equals $0), it is not counted as a transaction. Change calculations are based on the actual sale price at Time 1 and the actual sale price at Time 2. Change calculations are neither adjusted nor controlled for inflation. TRF does not calculate percent change between quarters at the blockgroup level due to insufficient data.

Boxwood Means receives sale records and census identifiers (blockgroup, tract, county) from its vendor. The vendor geocodes home sales using the US Census 2004 Tiger file. Though Boxwood Means' vendor locates most of the records, between 1% and 10% of the records are not assigned a tract or blockgroup designation. Every record in the database includes a physical address (as opposed to a mailing address, Rural Route address, block-lot, or P.O. box), including the county and zipcode+4. Using these geographic markers, through its own software and methods Boxwood Means assigns a census identifier to the remaining records that lack a blockgroup designation.

Boxwood Means matches sale records to state and county addresses with 100% certainty, and to zipcodes with more than 99% certainty. Because of the lesser degree of certainty at smaller levels of geography, and because records are still assigned to a county even though they may not be assigned to a tract, totals for counties may be greater than the sum of the counts in the tracts contained in the counties. Addresses in rural counties and places experiencing rapid development are inherently more difficult to assign a census geography. Census tract and blockgroup matches are generally very strong -- 98% certainty in most counties – but 2-3% of counties have match rates of only 20-30% certainty, mostly due to poor addressing systems and incomplete street data in these places.

Boxwood Means receives their raw data through a source which collects directly from counties and states. Most counties and states who submit data do so on a consistent and quarterly basis. Some entities, though, submit their home sale data only annually, while some areas' coverage may be intermittent. PolicyMap contains home sale data for the following counties. Counties with asterisks have coverage for some, not all, of the time periods in PolicyMap. If you have questions about the coverage for an area that you are interested in, please contact PolicyMap.

PROHIBITED SUBSCRIBERS TO HOME SALE DATA:

Our suppliers may have placed restrictions on the redistribution of home sale information to certain subscribers through PolicyMap. As a result, PolicyMap is prohibited from providing home sale statistics to the companies listed below (unless authorized by our suppliers with prior written approval).

By accessing home sale data in PolicyMap, you acknowledge that you are not an employee of the following mortgage originating institutions: Countrywide Financial Corp., Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Washington Mutual, Chase Home Finance, Bank of America, CitiMortgage, Inc., GMAC-RFC, GMAC Residential Holdings, IndyMac Bancorp, Inc., Wachovia, American Home Mortgage Investment, Golden West Financial Corp./Wold, SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., National City Mortgage, Aurora Loan Services, Inc. (AA), PHH Mortgage, ABN Amro Mortgage, First Horizon Home Loans, GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, and MortgageIT. You also acknowledge that you are not an employee of one of the following companies: Acxiom, America Online (AOL), C&S Marketing, Choice Point, CoStar Group, Database America, DataQuick, Data Warehouse, Dolan Information Services, Domania, Donnelley, Experian, Equifax, Fidelity National Infomration Services (FNIS), First Data Solutions, FIServ, FNC, Google, Haines, InfoUSA, International Data Management (IDM), iPlace, Lending Tree, Lexis/Nexis, MacDonald-Detweiler, MicroGeneral Corporation, National Information Services, Polk, Seisint, Stewart Title/ Stewart Information, SW Financial, Thompason-West Group, TransUnion, US Search, Veros and Yahoo.

If you are an employee of one of the above listed companies and wish to become a PolicyMap subscriber with access to home sale data, please contact TRF at pmap@policymap.com. We will approach our suppliers on your behalf.

Description:

The Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings has researched and written on the Earned Income Tax Credit since its inception. Brookings receives ZIP Code-level IRS income tax return data for use in its research which they generously shared with TRF for inclusion in PolicyMap. This dataset is similar to the IRS Statistics of Income data but differs in some of the topics it covers as well as in the level of detail given about EITC returns as a group. Brookings has developed a method for analyzing and aggregating the ZIP code-level tax return data to different geographic areas including city, county, metropolitan area, state, state legislative district, and congressional district. All data are derived from the Internal Revenue Service's Stakeholder Partnerships, Education, and Communication (IRS-SPEC) Return Information Databases, compiled by the IRS Wage and Investment Research Unit.

For more details on the dataset, see their user guide at http://www.brookings.edu/metro/EITC/EITC-Data.aspx

Description:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program produces monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor force data for Census regions and divisions, States, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities, by place of residence. PolicyMap contains county and state counts of people employed, unemployed, and in the labor force, as well as the unemployment rate. The values presented in PolicyMap are annual averages for the years listed.

The concepts and definitions used by LAUS come from the Current Population Survey (CPS), the household survey that is the official measure of the labor force for the nation. According to this definition, employed persons include people who did any paid work as employees, worked in their own business or farm, or did unpaid work of 15 or more hours in an establishment owned by a relative. Unemployed persons include people who had no employment but were available for and seeking employment. People in the labor force are all those people classified as employed or unemployed. The labor force does not include military (active duty) and institutionalized persons.

Every April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics re-releases revised data for the previous five years. PolicyMap's data reflects these revisions.

Description:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Mass Layoff Statistics program produces annual mass layoff data for states, by place of residence. PolicyMap contains state counts of people who have been part of a mass layoff involving fifty or more people during a five week period.

Description:

Demographic data for 2000 is from the U.S. Bureau of the Census' Summary File 3 (SF3). This dataset is derived from the longer version ("long form") of the household survey that takes place every ten years. SF3 data include information on housing conditions as well as characteristics of the household and its members.

Demographic data for 2005-2009 is from the U.S. Bureau of the Census' American Community Survey (ACS). This survey has replaced the long form from the Decennial Census for 2010. Rather than distributing both a short survey and the long form in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau instead distributed the short survey as the Decennial Census. Beginning in 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau began administering the new ACS Survey, which is comprised of many of the questions from the old Census long form. For the first time ever, the Census' December 2010 release of the 2005-2009 ACS data included small geographic estimates, which we have chosen to incorporate into PolicyMap in place of Nielsen Estimates and Projections. The ACS data provides demographic, social, economic and housing characteristic estimates on a rolling basis (from 2005-2009), whereas the 2010 Decennial Census provides counts of the population and their basic characteristics (sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, and homeowner status) as a snapshot in time (2010). The move from the long form on the Decennial Census to the ACS format allows data consumers to enjoy annually updated detailed population characteristics, rather than having to wait for the Decennial Census data release. The ACS differs from the Decennial Census in that it is not an enumeration of the population, however. Instead, the Census Bureau collects ACS data from a sample of the population, and it provides a margin of error for every ACS estimate. Margins of error are not shown on PolicyMap, but users are encouraged to visit the Census' website with questions about ACS estimates shown on PolicyMap.

Demographic data for 2010 is from the U.S. Bureau of the Census' Summary File 1 (SF1). This dataset comprises what previously was referred to as the shorter version ("short form") of the household survey that takes place every ten years. The SF1 data represents the count of every resident in the United States, mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. These counts determine the number of seats per state in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is also used to distribute federal funds at the sub-state level. SF1 data includes information about population, age, race, ethnicity, household composition, home ownership and housing unit occupancy. The American Community Survey (ACS) has replaced the previous Census' long form. Census 2010 data, therefore, constitutes only a fraction of the indicators previously released as Census Decennial data.

PolicyMap has chosen to temporarily display the Census 2010 Summary File 1 data using the Census' 2000 geographic TIGER file boundaries. Upon the release of the 2006-2010 ACS data, which is anticipated to be intended for display on the Census' 2010 geographic TIGER file boundaries, PolicyMap will update the SF1 data to display on the correct 2010 boundaries. Because the 2000 and 2010 TIGER file boundaries are not identical, PolicyMap has chosen to suppress the Census 2010 SF1 data by displaying "Insufficient Data" in census tracts and counties that have split, merged or otherwise significantly changed from 2000 to 2010. At the block group level, however, PolicyMap has employed a bridge table to relate the Census 2010 data to the 2000 Census boundaries. The bridge table allows us to display the Census 2010 block group data on the 2000 boundaries by providing a bridge between the two boundaries. This bridge was created by looking at where 2000 and 2010 Census block boundaries overlapped. For example, if a given Census 2010 block overlapped two separate 2000 block groups, we allocated a percentage of Census 2010's population proportionately to each of the 2000 block groups. The percentage we used to create the 2010 Census block group data on PolicyMap was calculated based on the area of the 2010 Census block that was in each block group. The bridge table does not include small slivers of area that represent less than 10% of the Census block area. Please note that the Census may report valid Census 2010 SF1 data for many of these areas for which "Insufficient Data" is shown on PolicyMap. These values will be available on PolicyMap following the transition to the 2010 TIGER file boundaries.

Description:

Many of the boundary files on PolicyMap come directly from the U.S. Census Bureau through the Geography Division. Block Group, Tract, County, County Subdivision, and State boundaries are from Census 2000. PolicyMap has chosen to continue using 2000 boundaries because the American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates for 2009 are mapped to them. Due to the number of changes and additions to Census Place boundaries since 2000, PolicyMap updated to the 2009 Tiger file. In addition, definitions related to metropolitan areas have changed since the 2000 Census. The boundaries on PolicyMap for Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) and Metropolitan Divisions are the 2007 boundaries as defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) see: http://www.census.gov/population/www/metroareas/metroarea.html.

PolicyMap ZIP codes are licensed from Maponics. See: Maponics ZIP Code Boundaries.

Description:

County Business Pattern Data (CBP) is an annual series that provides economic data by industry. The data describe the number and type of jobs that are located in any given place. This is different from describing the occupations of people living in the same area.

CBP covers most of the country's economic activity. The series excludes data on self-employed individuals, employees of private households, railroad employees, agricultural production employees, and most government employees.

CBP data are extracted from the Business Register, the Census Bureau's file of all known single and multi-establishment companies. The Company Organization Survey (annual) and Economic Censuses (every five years) provide individual establishment data for multi-location firms. Data for single-location firms are obtained from various surveys conducted by the Census Bureau, such as the Economic Censuses, the Annual Survey of Manufacturers, and Current Business Surveys, as well as from administrative records of the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Jobs in the CBP data are reported by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced "Nakes") categories. NAICS is the standard for use by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the collection, analysis, and publication of statistical data related to the national business economy. NAICS is run through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and, in 1997, replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. Business establishments self-assign their NAICS code based on the primary economic activities in which they engage.

The number of jobs per NAICS category are reported at the county and state level. At the zip code level, in order to preserve anonymity, CBP does not disclose a specific number of employees but rather reports the number of establishments with employees in various ranges. Where CPB provides the number of employees as falling within a range, TRF represents these areas as having Insufficient Data on the map.

Description:

The U.S. Census Bureau's Manufacturing, Mining, and Construction Statistics Division provides annual and monthly estimates of housing units authorized by building permit officials. Data are available at the county, state, CBSA, and national geographies. These estimates are aggregated and imputed from reports submitted by local permit-issuing offices. Most permit-issuing offices are municipalities, and the rest are counties, townships or towns.

9,000 out of the 20,000 permit-issuing places submit the Form C-404 report "Report of Building or Zoning Permits Issued and Local Public Construction" on a monthly basis. The other places are surveyed only annually. The 9,000 surveyed monthly include: all permit-issuing places in the 75 Metropolitan Areas (MAs) with the largest number of permits (as of 2002); all permit-issuing places in states with limited numbers of permit-issuing places; permit-issuing places with special data reporting arrangements. The rest of the sample is stratified by state. Prior to 2005, monthly counts of building permits were based on a different sample of 8,500 out of 19,000 permit-issuing agencies. As a result, comparisons of building permit issuances between 2004 and 2005 should be made very cautiously.

If a building permit report is not received for a given month or year, the missing data are either obtained from the Survey of Use of Permits (SUP) or imputed. The SUP is an annual survey of a smaller sample of permit-issuing areas that gathers data on housing construction, completion, sales, and characteristics of new housing.

Monthly state, CBSA and national data are estimates based on the sample data collected from the 9,000 permit-issuing agencies. For information on standard errors associated with these estimates see: http://www.census.gov/const/www/C40/variance.html. Monthly county data are counts rather than estimates, and are therefore reported only for those counties where every permit office issues monthly reports. Annual data are obtained by summing monthly data reporters. If permit-issuing agencies submit both monthly and annual reports, the annual count is used. The annual building permit data on PolicyMap is unadjusted data.

Building permit data will not accurately reflect construction activity in those areas where building permits are not issued. Nationally, only roughly 2 percent of housing starts are issued in areas not requiring permits, however this varies greatly state to state and region to region.

Description:

The Census' Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) dataset produces model-based estimates of health insurance coverage for states and counties. This dataset is an estimate based on a model because data on health insurance coverage are not available elsewhere at this time. (A question on health insurance coverage has recently been added to the American Community Survey, but widespread reporting on that question is not yet available.).

Description:

The Census' Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) dataset provides more current estimates of selected income and poverty statistics than the most recent decennial census. Estimates are created for states and counties. This dataset mainly serves administrators of federal programs who need current statistics on the demonstrated need of places.

Description:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dataset provides the number of births, the number of infant deaths, and the rate of deaths to infants for every 1000 live births by maternal residents of the US. The CDC only reports numbers of births for counties with populations of 100,000 or more and number and rate of infant deaths for counties with populations of 250,000 or more. It suppresses the rate where there are fewer than 20 deaths reported.

The CDC also provides the number and percent of births where prenatal care began during the first trimester and the number and percent of births where prenatal care was received in only the third trimester or not at all. Additional prenatal care categories give these numbers and rates for mothers under age 20. Additionally, this dataset includes the number and percent of births to mothers under the age of 20, with break outs for mother under age 18 and mothers 18 and 19 for select years. Data on prenatal care is only available for counties with populations of 100,000 or more; data on births to young mothers (under 20 years, under 18 years, and between 18 and 19 years, inclusive) is only available for counties with populations of 250,000 or more.

Description:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dataset provides the percent of those overweight, those obese, and those neither overweight nor obese among residents of the US. The CDC defines overweight people as those having a weight classification by Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9. It defines obese individuals as having a weight classification by BMI between 30.0 and 99.8. Those people with a weight classification by BMI of less than 24.9 are considered neither overweight nor obese. The CDC only reports these numbers for states. States for which data is not available in a given year are represented as having Insufficient Data on the map.

Description:

The Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, a division of the US Department of the Treasury, administers the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) and Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) programs, and supports and invests in Community Development Financial Institutions. For information about the NMTC, please see entry, below. The CDFI Fund maintains a list of Census Tracts and their program eligibility or designation. For more on these programs users should consult the CDFI Fund website directly: www.cdfifund.gov.

These designations are current as of January 2009 but may be changed at any time by the CDFI Fund. For this reason, users should verify eligibility directly with the CDFI Fund. Information in PolicyMap does not include Native America Areas.

Description:

The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, a division of the US Department of the Treasury, administers the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC). The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) has performed calculations on various data sources in order to map eligibility and threshold requirements established by the CDFI Fund for Part II (Community Impact) of the NMTC Allocation Application. For a full suite of indicators related to eligibility, please see the PolicyMap NMTC widget on the Novogradac & Company site: http://www.novoco.com/new_markets/resources/maps_data.php. The NMTC Allocation Application data on PolicyMap is available as follows.

CDFI Fund New Market Tax Credit NMTC Eligibility
NMTC Eligible Census tracts include those that have either (1) Median Family Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) in 2000 or (2) Poverty Rate of 20% or greater in 2000. PolicyMap provides a map of those eligible Census tracts ("Eligible Tracts"), as well as the underlying data used to create that map in the ("Eligibility Criteria"). PolicyMap also provides the underlying data without the NMTC thresholds ("Tract Family Income as % of AMI" and "Poverty").

In order for a Census tract to competitively qualify as a tract for NMTC, it must be in an Eligible Census Tract that is also Severely Distressed. PolicyMap provides a map of those Severely Distressed Census tracts ("NMTC Severely Distressed"). The two options for determining if an area is Severely Distressed are to use either Primary Criteria or Secondary Criteria, which are described, below.

Primary Criteria for NMTC Severely Distressed Meeting the NMTC Severely Distressed Primary Criteria is based on whether or not a given Census tract meets basic NMTC Eligibility, plus one of the following factors: having a median family income at or below 60% of AMI in 2000; having a poverty rate at or above 30% in 2000*; or having an unemployment rate of at least 1.5 times the national unemployment rate in 2000. Census tracts meeting the NMTC Primary Criteria for Severely Distressed Status are comparatively less in need as those Census tracts meeting the NMTC Secondary Criteria for Severely Distressed Status. PolicyMap provides a map of those Census tracts that are considered Severely Distressed because they satisfy the Primary Criteria, which is located in "Primary Criteria: Severely Distressed". PolicyMap also includes a map of those Census tracts that meet all three of the Primary Criteria, indicating great need in "Primary Criteria: Meet all 3 Primary Criteria". (Although the CDFI Fund does not consider meeting all three criteria as a standard, PolicyMap shows the Census tracts that meet all three requirements as an indicator of particularly Severely Distressed areas in need of investment.) Also included in this submenu are the data for each of the factors that constitute the Primary Criteria for NMTC Severely Distressed.

*The median family income threshold for NMTC, more specifically, is: Census tracts with, if located within a non-Metropolitan Area, median family income at or below 60% of statewide median family income or, if located within a Metropolitan Area, median family income at or below 60% of the greater of the statewide median family income or the Metropolitan Area median family income.

Secondary Criteria for NMTC Severely Distressed Meeting the NMTC Severely Distressed Secondary Criteria is based on whether or not a given Census tract meets basic NMTC Eligibility, plus two of the following factors: meeting NMTC Heavy Distress requirements; being located within: an SBA Designated HUB Zone, a CDFI Fund Hot Zone, a Medically Underserved Area (MUA), a Federal Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community or Renewal Community, a High Migration Rural County, a Census tract within which a Brownfield is located, a HOPE VI Redevelopment Area, a Federal Native Area, an Appalachian Regional Commission or Delta Regional Authority Area, a Colonias Area, a State or Local Economic Zone (such as TIF or KOZ), a FEMA Disaster Area, or a ERS/USDA Food Desert. Please note that the data on PolicyMap do not take into account the following, due to unavailability of data: HOPE VI Redevelopment Areas, Federal Native Areas, Colonias Areas, State or Local Economic Zones, and FEMA Disaster Areas. PolicyMap provides a map of those Census tracts that are considered Severely Distressed because they satisfy the Secondary Criteria, which is located in "Secondary Criteria: Severely Distressed". Also included in this submenu are the data for each of the factors that constitute the Secondary Criteria for NMTC Severely Distressed.

The data used to create these the calculations for the CDFI Fund NMTC Eligibility maps include numerous sources, listed below. The currency of the data used in these calculations is also included:

Because any of these data sources may have been updated since the production of these calculations, users should verify eligibility directly with the CDFI Fund. Information in PolicyMap does not include HOPE VI Redevelopment Areas, Federal Native Areas, Colonias Areas, State or Local Economic Zones, or FEMA Disaster Areas.

Description:

The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, a division of the US Department of the Treasury, is now using a priority point system for scoring its applications. Applicants are awarded up to 5 "priority points" for their commitment to serve communities facing the highest levels of distress.

The score is tabulated using various distress indicators, which are also mapped on PolicyMap. These indicators are: poverty rates, median household income, unemployment rates, home foreclosures and high-cost mortgages.

Description:

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which was enacted by Congress in 1977, is intended to encourage depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking operations. CRA requires that each insured depository institution's record in helping meet the credit needs of its entire community be evaluated periodically. These examinations are conducted by federal agencies: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). That record is taken into account in considering an institution's application for deposit facilities, including mergers and acquisitions.

In order to gauge CRA performance, the evaluation looks for bank activity in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, nonmetropolitan distressed and underserved areas, and federally designated disaster areas. These areas are identified by calculating tract income level. This is the Median Family Income (MFI) of each tract divided by Area Median Family Income (AMFI). For AMFI the CRA relies on HUD's 2004 MSA/MD MFI. For tracts located outside of an MSA/MD, the MFI used in the denominator is the statewide non-MSA/MD MFI. This figure is calculated using incomes from all areas of a state that are not assigned to MSA/MDs. For additional information on data and calculations see: http://www.ffiec.gov/geocode/help3.aspx

The tract income level is defined as follows:
If the Median Family Income % is < 50% then the Income Level is Low.
If the Median Family Income % is >= 50% and < 80% then the Income Level is Moderate.
If the Median Family Income % is >= 80% and < 120% then the Income Level is Middle.
If the Median Family Income % is >=120% then the Income Level is Upper.
If the Median Family Income % is 0% then the Income Level is Not Known.

Tracts are CRA eligible is they are low- or moderate-income, or if they are nonmetropolitan middle income tracts designated by FFIEC as distressed or underserved. Distressed middle income tracts are those with: (1) Unemployment rate at least 1.5 times the national average or (2) Poverty rate of 20% or greater or (3) Population loss of 10% or more between the 1990 and 2000 census, or a net migration loss of 5% or more between 1995 and 2000. Underserved middle-income tract are those designated by the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture with an "urban influence code" of 7, 10, 11 or 12. Lists of these tracts are released annually and available on the CRA website at: http://www.ffiec.gov/cra/examinations.htm.

To identify tracts that are "designated disaster areas" consult the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website: http://wwww.fema.gov. Disaster areas are not mapped in PolicyMap because they are subject to frequent changes.

Description:

Data collected from the Convenient Care Association website on April 28, 2011. All coordinates were provided by the Convenient Care Association. Includes only members of the Convenient Care Association.

Description:

The Department of Homeland Security's Yearbook of Immigration Statistics is an annual publication on documented foreign nationals in the United States. PolicyMap contains state-level data on the number of people granted Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status by region of birth and by selected countries. The selected countries of birth included in PolicyMap were determined by the number of people that country sent between 2004 and 2008. If the volume of immigrants receiving green cards in any year was more than 15,000 people, the country was included.

Description:

The United States' Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) provides a Median Air Quality Index (AQI) at the county level. The median AQI is based on the value for which half of daily AQI values during the year were less than or equal to the median value, and half equaled or exceeded it. Air quality is defined by the EPA as follows: good air quality ranges from 0-50; moderate air quality ranges from 51-100; unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups ranges from 101-150; and unhealthy air quality is 151 or higher, which includes the AQI categories of unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous.

Description:

TRF received the EPA's Brownfields Sites Report List from the EPA for use in PolicyMap. The EPA regularly updates this list. The points in PolicyMap are as of November of 2010. The coordinates used in PolicyMap are provided by the EPA. TRF removed points that do not appear in the site's listed state.

Description:

TRF uses National Priorities List data from the EPA's "List 9 - Active CERCLIS Sites". An algorithm is used to determine the most recent action taken at that site. The geographic coordinates are obtained through a shapefile available at the EPA's website at geodata.epa.gov. The points in PolicyMap are as of December 2010.

Description:

To construct a layer of forestland data, the following raster fields were selected from the NLCD, and converted to a shapefile, buffered by 150 feet:

Deciduous Forest - Areas dominated by trees where 75 percent or more of the tree species shed foliage simultaneously in response to seasonal change.

Evergreen Forest - Areas dominated by trees where 75 percent or more of the tree species maintain their leaves all year. Canopy is never without green foliage.

Mixed Forest - Areas dominated by trees where neither deciduous nor evergreen species represent more than 75 percent of the cover present.

Description:

The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System provides information on public water systems, and their quantity and types of violations of drinking water regulations. Using EPA guidelines, PolicyMap categorizes each violation as a health violation or a monitoring and reporting violation. The source data comes at the agency-level; PolicyMap determines what county the water system is in and provides county-level data. Only water systems that serve 10,000 people or more are included. In counties where multiple water systems were included, the average number of violations was calculated weighted by the population size served by each system.

Description:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program compiles standardized incident reports from local law enforcement agencies in order to produce reliable, uniform, and national crime data. The UCR Program is voluntary, and includes data for only counties and cities with population over 10,000. As a result, coverage is not universal. The UCR Program collects data on known offenses and persons arrested by law enforcement agencies. The UCR Program does not record the findings of a court, coroner, jury, or the decision of a prosecutor.

As the FBI does not provide geographic identifiers, TRF assigned the data to places and counties using the US Department of Justice's Law Enforcement Agency Identifier Crosswalk. The Crosswalk relates originating agency identifiers to Federal Information Processing Standards Codes (FIPS codes). TRF used the matched FIPS codes to display the data on the map.

Data was reported to the FBI for selected places and counties by local law enforcement agencies. The FBI compiled the data and provided TRF with those statistics that met FBI reporting standards. County counts reflect the sum of all reported offenses from agencies within the county that submitted data to the FBI. The county count may not include all offenses if agencies within the county did not report or if reported figures did not comply with FBI reporting standards. Those places or counties either not reporting to the FBI or not complying with FBI reporting standards and, thus, not compiled by the FBI, are shown as having Insufficient Data in the map. Certain counties, such as those in New York City, are not shown on PolicyMap because the FBI reported no population in those counties. Data for agencies in these counties was reported by the FBI, but not included in the FBI's county aggregation. Values for places were obtained by matching each agency with the place it is in based on the Crosswalk. Where multiple agencies reported data in one place, the values were aggregated by TRF.

FBI UCR data should not be compared across places or counties, and should not be compared from one year to another.

TRF divided the total number of aggravated assaults that were reported in a county or place by the population count provided by the FBI and multiplied that ratio by 100,000. The population count used for places in this calculation is from the FBI. The county population count is an estimate of the number of people served by the agencies within the county that report offenses.

Description:

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation releases data on failures and assistance transactions of financial institutions in the United States and its territories. This data draws on information from two FDIC databases: Failures and Assistance Transactions United States and Other Areas (Table BF01, available here: http://www2.fdic.gov/hsob/SelectRpt.asp?EntryTyp=30) which is updated on an ongoing basis, and the FDIC Institution Directory (http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main.asp), which is updated weekly. PolicyMap is updated on a quarterly basis. The data includes banks that have failed since October 1, 2000. The fields in the data for the assets and deposits of the acquiring bank are from the most recent quarterly report by the FDIC at the time of the bank closing, for all closings since November 26, 2010. For all closings before November 26, 2010, the data are from the FDIC report on June 30, 2010.

Description:

The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), published by FEMA, is used for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance purposes. It includes the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). The map divides areas into three primary risk classifications: 1 percent annual chance flood event (high risk), 0.2 percent annual chance flood event (moderate risk), and areas of minimal flood risk. The maps processed by PolicyMap show areas of high risk, moderate risk, and undetermined risk.

PolicyMap receives updates annually from FEMA, and classifies areas based on the Designations of FEMA Flood Zone Designations. Not all counties are included in the NFHL. A coverage map can be found at FEMA's website. Counties which show data available on the FEMA coverage map do not necessarily have complete coverage.

Description:

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which was enacted by Congress in 1977, is intended to encourage depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking operations. CRA requires that each insured depository institution's record in helping meet the credit needs of its entire community be evaluated periodically. That record is taken into account in considering an institution's application for deposit facilities, including mergers and acquisitions. CRA examinations are conducted by the federal agencies that are responsible for supervising depository institutions: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). TRF extracted the database of lending activity from the Peer Small Business Data. TRF aggregated the number of loans by amount of loan and by borrower revenue. TRF also aggregated the number, average amount and percent of loans by top small business lenders and by top small farm lenders in order to construct categories that would be useful to policymakers and descriptive of neighborhoods and markets.

When performing aggregations and calculations on the CRA data, averages were not calculated and percents were not computed where the denominator of the calculation was less than five. These places are identified on the map as having Insufficient Data.

Description:

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), which was enacted by Congress in 1975, requires most mortgage lenders located in metropolitan areas to collect data about their housing-related lending activity, report the data annually to the government, and make the data publicly available. The public database of lending activity is called Loan Application Register and Transmittal Sheets (LARS & TS). TRF aggregated originated purchase and refinance loans for owner-occupied, one-to-four family dwellings, in order to construct categories that would be useful to policymakers and descriptive of neighborhoods and markets, such as Prime Refinance Loans, or Purchase Loans to African Americans.

The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) of Philadelphia worked with TRF to create custom HMDA calculations for PolicyMap, which are located in the "Selected Mortgage Lending" section of the Lending Activity menu. The result was the aggregation of all originated loans with a series of filters that describe different subsets of loan with varying characteristics. These calculations for the FRB make different assumptions about the type of loans that might fit a category and therefore may differ from similarly named calculations found elsewhere in PolicyMap. For instance, TRF's standard definition of "originations" as transactions involving only owner-occupied, one-to-four family dwellings differs from the FRB's standard definition of "originations" as transactions including all types of properties for all loan purpose types and for owner and non-owner occupied property types.

PolicyMap contains HMDA data for 2004 through 2010. The 2010 HMDA data reflect the ongoing difficulties in the housing and mortgage markets that began appearing in 2007. Users will find sharp decreases in originations, regardless of race, ethnicity or income. Users will also note that all high-cost (those with a reported rate spread) and prime loans for 2010 reflect the reporting rule changes implemented in 2009Q4, discussed below. In order to accurately display the data according to these rule adjustments, PolicyMap divided the 2009 data into 2009Q1-2009Q3 and 2009Q4. The reason for this is that in the fourth quarter of 2009, HMDA changed its rules for reporting rate spreads in an effort to more accurately capture the current high-cost lending activity. Change calculations between previous years and 2009 or 2010 should not be made due to the change in HMDA's definition of high cost. Additionally, the higher incidence of FHA lending activity in the second half of 2008, 2009 and 2010 will be apparent in the government-insured home loan data. One additional change in the 2009 data is that, due to the high incidence of error notations in the manufactured home loan data in 2009, medians are shown as "N/A" wherever error notations were present.

For more information and analysis of the 2010 HMDA data, see the published article in the Federal Reserve Bulletin, available at http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/bulletin/2011/pdf/2010_HMDA.pdf.

The 2007 HMDA data reflect the initial trauma in the housing and mortgage markets. The data show decreases in originations, especially in the loans that PolicyMap classifies as high cost (previously denoted as subprime). While a large part of this effect was due to real changes in lending events, some part of this shift was due to nonreporting by lenders that ceased operations during 2007 and did not file a HMDA report, even though they originated loans during part of 2007. (Loans from institutions that ceased operations due to a merger or acquisition were reported through the acquiring entity.) Although nonreporting affects the completeness of the HMDA data in each year, analysis at the Federal Reserve Bank indicates that nonreporting in 2007 was on a greater scale than in past years, and that the effect of nonreporting amplified the reduction in number of high-cost loans that the data show between 2006 and 2007. For more information and analysis of the 2007 HMDA data, see the published draft of an article that is forthcoming in the Federal Reserve Bulletin, available at http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/bulletin/2008/pdf/hmda07draft.pdf.

When performing aggregations and calculations on the HMDA data, medians were not calculated and percents were not computed where the count of loan events of that type or the denominator of the calculation was less than five. These places are identified on the map as having Insufficient Data.

High-Cost Loans and TRF's High-Cost Loan Calculations

TRF classifies loans as high cost if they had a reported rate spread. In 2009, HMDA changed its rules for reporting rate spreads for the fourth quarter of the year in an effort to more accurately capture the current high-cost lending activity. In the first three quarters of 2009 and previous to 2009, the rate spread on a loan was the difference between the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on the loan and the treasury security yields as of the date of the loan's origination. Rate spreads were only reported by financial institutions if the APR was 3 or more percentage points higher for a first lien loan, or 5 or more percentage points higher for a second lien loan. A rate spread of 3 or more suggested that a loan was of notably higher price than a typical loan, indicating that it could be classified as high cost. The new rules introduced in the fourth quarter of 2009 indicate that the rate spread on a loan is the difference between the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on the loan and the estimated average prime offer rate (APOR). With the rule change, rate spreads are only reported by financial institutions if the APR is more than 1.5 percentage points higher for a first lien loan, or more than 3.5 percentage points higher for a second lien loan. A rate spread of 1.5 or more suggests that a loan is of notably higher price than a typical loan, indicating that it is to be classified as high cost.

Likewise, all loans without reported rate spreads are considered to be prime, as the APR is within reasonable range of the treasury security yield (or, in the case of 2009Q4 and 2010, within reasonable range of the estimated average prime offer rate). TRF previously denoted high-cost loans as "subprime", but changed the terminology with the release of the 2008 data to reflect language used by the Federal Reserve Bank. The "high-cost" designation is not to be confused with "HOEPA". HOEPA loans are a subset of the high-cost loan category.

"80-20" or "Piggyback" Loans and TRF's Algorithm for "80-20" or "Piggyback" Loan Estimates

PolicyMap contains thematic data on the number of loans originated for the purpose of a home purchase that had multiple mortgages. Termed "80-20 loans" or "piggyback loans", a multiple mortgage transaction is when a buyer obtains at least two loans in order to purchase a home. The second loan finances that part of the purchase price not being financed by the first loan. The 80-20 or piggyback loan has been used to avoid underwriting standards held by most lenders that require private mortgage insurance (or PMI) when less than a 20% down payment is made by the buyer. Studies suggest that these transactions have a higher risk of default and foreclosure as the homebuyers have little or no equity at risk. HMDA data does not explicitly identify 80-20 or piggyback loans. TRF created an algorithm for estimating transactions involving multiple loans to purchase a property. First- and second-position loans in the same census tract, from the same lender, and to applicants with the same race, ethnicity, gender, and income were flagged as multiple loans for the same property. These loans were then combined into one record, the loan amounts summed, thus reflecting the total loan for the property transaction. These loans were originated for the purchase of an owner-occupied, one-to-four family dwelling, as reported by HMDA.

"Other" Races

PolicyMap contains data for specific race categories and for grouped race categories, such as those identified as "other" races. "Other" races is defined as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and individuals who either did not provide information or provided inapplicable information.

Prime Loans and TRF's Prime Loan Calculations

Prime loans are defined as loans with no reported rate spread. TRF assumes for the purpose of its PolicyMap calculations that a loan without a reported rate spread is of a "typical" APR and most likely prime. The rate spread for 2004-2009Q3 on a loan was the difference between the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on the loan and the treasury security yields as of the date of the loan's origination. For that time period, rate spreads were only reported by financial institutions if the APR was 3 or more percentage points higher for a first lien loan, or 5 or more percentage points higher for a second lien loan, The rate spread for 2009Q4 and 2010 is the difference between the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on the loan and the estimated average prime offer rate (APOR). In that same quarter, rate spreads are reported by financial institutions if the difference between the APR and the APOR is 1.5 or more percentage points for a first lien loan, or 3.5 or more percentage points higher for a second lien loan).

HMDA for Census Places

In its native form, loan applications reported to HMDA do not contain Census Places identifiers. TRF aggregated HMDA data to the Place level by creating a correspondence between Census tracts and Places. A tract was considered part of a Place if it was completely contained by the Place. In the event a tract was divided in two or more sections, the tract was considered to belong to the Place that the largest section of the tract was located.

Government-Insured Loans

The federal government has several entities through which it insures or guarantees consumer home loans. Although often referred to as government insurance, a government guarantee on a loan does not take the place of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Rather, the government guarantees the value of the property to the bank that originates the loans. In the case of default on the loan or foreclosure on the property, the government entity that guaranteed the loan repays the debt to the bank in full and takes over ownership of the property. The programs that the federal government uses to guarantee loans have varied target populations, but generally are committed to expanding the opportunities for home ownership to buyers who might not otherwise qualify for a loan with favorable terms. Government-guaranteed loans generally also require banks to commitment to negotiation with the homeowner in the event of loan default, beyond what is required of banks for non-government-insured home loans.

FHA Loans

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is one entity through which the government guarantees consumer loans. There are several FHA programs with missions that include helping moderate income first-time homebuyers, buyers of properties that need significant rehabilitation, and the elderly. For more on FHA-insured lending, see http://www.hud.gov/buying/loans.cfm.

VA Loans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one entity through which the government guarantees consumer loans. The purpose of the VA home loan program is to help veterans finance the purchase of homes with favorable loans terms and interest rates. For more on VA-insured lending, see http://www.homeloans.va.gov/pamphlet.htm.

FSA Loans

In HMDA, loans guaranteed by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and those guaranteed by the USDA Rural Housing Service (RHS) are counted in the same category. FSA loans are intended for farmers who cannot qualify for conventional loans due to insufficient financial resources and farmers who have suffered financial setbacks due to natural disasters. RHS guarantees mostly apply to loans for essential community facilities in rural areas. For more on FSA-insured lending, see http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=landing. For details on RHS-insured lending, see http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/brief_cp_direct.htm.

Description:

2000 data were collected by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB) and include statistics for 149 religious groups, including number of churches and adherents. Dale E. Jones, Sherri Doty, Clifford Grammich, James E. Horsch, Richard Houseal, Mac Lynn, John P. Marcum, Kenneth M. Sanchagrin and Richard H. Taylor supervised the collection. These data originally appeared in Religious Congregations & Membership in the United States, 2000: An Enumeration by Region, State and County Based on Data Reported by 149 Religious Bodies, published by the Glenmary Research Center.

The data are based on counts of members of denominations. While quite comprehensive, this data excludes most of the historically African-American denominations and some other major groups. In an effort to correct for this, in 2002 the ASARB released an adjusted rate of adherence to all denominations per 1,000 people. The adjusted rate is included on PolicyMap; because of this correction some counties will have rates in excess of 1000. For more on the corrections see Roger Finke and Christopher P. Scheitle's article Accounting for the Uncounted at http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/Accounting%20for%20the%20Uncounted.pdf.

The data reported on Jews and Muslims are estimates rather than counts. For more information see: http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/rcms_notes.asp.

Description:

GreatSchools is a national, independent nonprofit organization providing elementary, middle and high school information for public, private and charter schools nationwide. TRF licensed GreatSchools' school district test score information for incorporation in PolicyMap. TRF identified a threshold for each state to determine which data would show a descriptive map of school performance. Therefore, some data are not represented in PolicyMap where TRF found data was unavailable in most school districts.

PolicyMap displays data for the following standardized tests:

Alaska
Alaska Standards Based Assessment (SBA): In 2007-2008 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Alabama
Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE): In 2007-2008 Alabama used the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) to test high school students in reading, math, language, science and social studies. The AHSGE is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. High school students must pass the AHSGE in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the test.
Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT): In 2007-2008 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Arkansas
Benchmark Exams (BE): In 2007-2008 Arkansas used the Benchmark Exam to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in literacy and grades 3 through 8 in math. The Benchmark Exam is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Arkansas. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
End of Course Exams (EOC): In 2007-2008 Arkansas used the End of Course Exam to test high school students in algebra I and geometry. The results for End of Course Exams administered in spring 2007 are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The End of Course Exam is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined by the state of Arkansas. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Arizona
Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS): In 2007-2008 Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) was used to test students in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students have mastered Arizona's learning standards. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

California
California Standards Test (CST): In 2007-2008 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts and math in grades 2 through 11; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8, 10 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

Colorado
Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP): In 2007-2008 Colorado used the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10 and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The CSAP is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Connecticut
Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT): In 2007-2008 Connecticut used the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) to test students' skills in reading, writing and math in grades 3 through 8. The CMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Connecticut.
Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT): In 2007-2008 Connecticut used the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) to test students' skills in reading, writing, science and mathematics in grade 10. The CAPT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Connecticut.

Delaware
Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP): In 2007-2008 Delaware used the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) to test students in reading and math in grades 2 through 10, in writing in grades 3 through 10 and in science and social studies in grades 4, 6, 8 and 11. Only the scores for reading and math in grades 2 through 10, writing in grades 3 though 10 and science in grades 8 and 11 are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The DSTP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Delaware. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

District of Columbia
District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS): In 2007-2008 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10. The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for all grades combined for each subject. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Florida
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT): In 2007-2008 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading and math and in grades 5, 8 and 11 in science. The FCAT Writing+ test replaced the former FCAT writing test given in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

Georgia
Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT): In 2007-2008 Georgia administered the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) in reading, English language arts and math in grades 1 through 8 and in science and social studies in grades 3 through 8. The CRCT is a standards-based assessment, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Georgia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.
Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT): In 2007-2008 Georgia administered the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) in English language arts, math, science and social studies to students in grade 11. The GHSGT is a standards-based assessment, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Georgia. Students must pass all parts of the GHSGT in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to pass the test.

Hawaii
Hawaii State Assessment (HSA): In 2007-2008 Hawaii used the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math. The HSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Hawaii. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

Idaho
Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT): In 2007-2008 Idaho used the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 2 through 10 in reading, math and language usage. The scores from the spring administration for grades 3 through 8 and 10 are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering the specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Idaho. The ISAT is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Illinois
Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT): In 2007-2008 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and students in grades 4 and 7 in science. The reading and math results are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Indiana
Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+): In 2008-2009 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 10 in English/language arts and math and in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. High school students are required to pass the grade 10 ISTEP+ to receive a high school diploma. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

Iowa
Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED): In 2007-2008 Iowa used the Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED) to test students in grade 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The ITED is a norm-referenced test, which means it measures how well students in Iowa score in comparison to their peers nationwide. Students who score at the 40th percentile are considered proficient. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS): In 2007-2008 Iowa used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The ITBS is a norm-referenced test, which means it measures how well students in Iowa score in comparison to their peers nationwide. Students who score at the 40th percentile are considered proficient. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Kansas
Kansas State Assessments (KSA): In 2007-2008 Kansas used the Kansas State Assessments (KSA) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 11 in reading and math and in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Kansas. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Kentucky
Kentucky Core Content Tests (KCCT): In 2007-2008 Kentucky used the Kentucky Core Content Tests (KCCT) to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 through 12 in several subjects. The Elementary School results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for grades 3 through 5 combined for each subject. Middle School results are for grades 6 though 8 combined, and High School results are for grades 10 though 12 combined. The results reflect the performance of students enrolled for at least 100 days before testing. The KCCT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Kentucky. KCCT academic indices range between 0 and 140, with 100 as the statewide goal for all students.

Louisiana
Louisiana Educational Assessment Program for the 21st Century (LEAP 21): In 2007-2008 Louisiana used the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program for the 21st Century (LEAP 21) to assess students in grades 4 and 8 in math, English language arts, science and social studies. The LEAP 21 is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Louisiana.
Graduate Exit Examination for the 21st Century (GEE 21): In 2007-2008 Louisiana used the Graduate Exit Examination for the 21st Century (GEE 21) to test grade 10 students in math and English language arts and grade 11 students in science and social studies. The GEE 21 is a high school graduation requirement. The GEE 21 is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Louisiana.

Maine
Maine Educational Assessment (MEA): In 2007-2008 Maine used the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, in grades 5 and 8 in writing and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The MEA a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maine. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard. Maine High School Assessment (MHSA): In 2007-2008 Maine used the Maine High School Assessment (MHSA) to test students in grade 11 in critical reading, math, writing and science. The results reported show how well students are mastering state standards, specific skills defined by the state of Maine. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Maryland
Maryland School Assessment (MSA): In 2007-2008 Maryland used the Maryland State Assessment (MSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The MSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
High School Assessments (HSA): In 2007-2008 Maryland used the Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) to test students in English 2, algebra, biology and government upon completion of each course. The HSA is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland. Beginning with the class of 2009, students are required to pass the tests in order to graduate. Students graduating before 2009 must take the HSA, but are not required to earn a particular passing score. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

Massachusetts
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS): In 2007-2008 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement. The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Michigan
Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP): In 2007-2008 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing, in grades 5 and 8 in science and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.
Michigan Merit Examination (MME): In 2007-2008 Michigan used the Michigan Merit Examination (MME) to assess students in grade 11 in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The MME is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Minnesota
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II): In 2007-2008 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed standards.

Mississippi
Mississippi Curriculum Test (MCT): In 2007-2008 Mississippi used the Mississippi Curriculum Test (MCT) to test students in grades 2 through 8 in reading, language arts and math. The MCT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Mississippi. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
Subject Assessment Testing Program (SATP): In 2007-2008 Mississippi used the Subject Assessment Testing Program (SATP) to test students in English II, writing, algebra I, biology I and U.S. history at the completion of each course. Students must pass all parts of the SATP in order to graduate from high school. The SATP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Mississippi. The goal is for all students to pass the test.

Missouri
Missouri Assessment Program (MAP): In 2007-2008 Missouri used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in communication arts. The MAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Montana
Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT): In 2006-2007 Montana used the Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to assess students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in reading and math. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Montana. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Nebraska
School-based, Teacher-led, Assessment and Reporting System (STARS): In 2007-2008 Nebraska used the School-based Teacher-led Assessment and Reporting System (STARS) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading, math and writing. The results for grades 4, 8 and 11 are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The STARS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nebraska. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Nevada
Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT): In 2007-2008 Nevada used the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.
High School Proficiency Examination (HSPE): In 2007-2008 Nevada used the High School Proficiency Examination (HSPE) to assess high school students in reading, math and writing. The HSPE is a high school graduation requirement. The HSPE is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

New Hampshire
New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP): In 2007-2008 New Hampshire used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and in grades 5 and 8 in writing. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Hampshire. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

New Jersey
New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK): In 2007-2008 New Jersey used the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) to test students in grades 3 through 7 in language arts literacy and math and in grade 4 in science. The NJ ASK is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA): In 2006-2007 New Jersey used the New Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) to test students in grade 8 in language arts literacy, math and science. The GEPA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA): In 2007-2008 New Jersey used the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) to test students in grade 11 in language arts literacy, math and science. The HSPA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Jersey. Students are required to pass the HSPA in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

New Mexico
New Mexico Standards-Based Assessment (NMSBA): In 2007-2008 New Mexico used the New Mexico Standards-Based Assessment (NMSBA) to test students in grades 3 through 9 in reading, math and science. The NMSBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New Mexico. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
New Mexico High School Standards Assessment (NMHSSA): In 2007-2008 New Mexico used the New Mexico High School Standards Assessment (NMHSSA) to test students in grade 11 in reading and math. The NMHSSA is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of New Mexico. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

New York
New York State Assessments (NYSA): In 2006-2007 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, in grades 4 and 8 in science and in grades 5 and 8 in social studies. The 2006-2007 results for English language arts are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. Math results will be added after their release by the New York State Education Department. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.
New York State Regents Examinations (RE): In 2006-2007 New York used the New York State Regents Examinations to test high school students in English language arts, math, global history and geography, US history and government, living environment, chemistry, earth science, physics and several foreign languages. The results for English language arts, math, living environment, chemistry, earth science and physics are displayed in GreatSchools profiles. Students must take at least five Regents Exams in order to graduate. Scores of 65 and above are passing; scores of 55 and above earn credit toward a local diploma (with the approval of the local board of education). The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

North Carolina
End of Class Tests (EOC): In 2006-2007 North Carolina used End-of-Course (EOC) tests to assess high school students in algebra I, algebra II, English I, biology, civics and economics, United States history and geometry. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.
End of Grade Tests (EOG): In 2006-2007 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The EOG tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

North Dakota
North Dakota State Assessment (NDSA): In 2006-2007 North Dakota used the North Dakota State Assessment (NDSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading/language arts and math. The NDSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering the specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Dakota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Ohio
Ohio Achievement Test (OAT): In 2007-2008 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, in grades 4 and 7 in writing and in grades 5 and 8 in science and social studies. The Ohio Achievement Test is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
Ohio Graduation Test (OGT): In 2007-2008 Ohio used the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Beginning with the class of 2007, the OGT is a high school graduation requirement. The OGT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests (OCCT): In 2007-2008 Oklahoma used the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests (OCCT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in several subjects. The results for reading and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The OCCT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Oklahoma. The goal is for all students to score at or above the satisfactory level on the test.
Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests End-of-Instruction Exams (OCCT EOI): In 2007-2008 Oklahoma used the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests End-of-Instruction (OCCT EOI) exams to test students in high school in several subjects. The results for reading and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The OCCT EOI is a high school graduation requirement. The OCCT EOI exams are standards-based tests, which means they measure specific skills defined for each subject by the state of Oklahoma. The goal is for all students to score at or above the satisfactory level on the test.

Oregon
Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS): In 2007-2008 Oregon used the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math and in grades 4, 7 and 10 in writing. The OAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Oregon. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA): In 2007-2008 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading and in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Rhode Island
New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP): In 2007-2008 Rhode Island used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and in grades 5 and 8 in writing. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Rhode Island. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

South Carolina
High School Assessment Program (HSAP): In 2006-2007 South Carolina used the High School Assessment Program (HSAP) to test grade 10 students in English/language arts and math. The HSAP is a high school graduation requirement. The HSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of South Carolina. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.
Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT): In 2006-2007 South Carolina used the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts, math, social studies and science. The PACT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of South Carolina. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Tennessee
Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP): In 2007-2008 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math, science and social studies. The results for reading/language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The TCAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Gateway/End-of-Course (GT/EOC): In 2007-2008 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. The results for algebra I and English 2 are displayed on GreatSchool profiles. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. Students must pass the algebra I, English 2 and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Texas
Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS): In 2007-2008, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Utah
Utah Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT): In 2007-2008 Utah used the Utah Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 1 through 11 in language arts, in grades 1 through 7 in math, in grades 4 through 9 in science and upon completion of certain courses in grades 8 through 11. The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for all grades combined for each subject. The CRT is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Utah. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Vermont
New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP): In 2007-2008 Vermont used the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and grades 5 and 8 in writing. The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for all grades combined for each subject. The NECAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Vermont. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

Virginia
Standards of Learning (SOL): In 2007-2008 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 5 and 8, in science in grades in 3, 5 and 8 and in history/social science in grades 3 and 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.
Standards of Learning End-of-Course (SOLEOC): In 2007-2008 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

Washington
Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL): In 2007-2008 Washington used the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, in writing in grades 4, 7 and 10 and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The WASL is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. Beginning with the class of 2008, the grade 10 WASL will be a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

Wisconsin
Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations (WKCE): In 2007-2008 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination - Criterion-Referenced Tests (WKCE-CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WKCE-CRT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

West Virginia
West Virginia Educational Standards Test (WESTEST): In 2007-2008 West Virginia used the West Virginia Educational Standards Test (WESTEST) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading, math and science, and in grades 3 through 8 in social studies. The WESTEST is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of West Virginia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the test.

Wyoming
Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students (PAWS): In 2007-2008 Wyoming administered the Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students (PAWS) in reading, writing and math to students in grades 3 through 8 and 11. PAWS tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wyoming. The goal is for all students score at or above the proficient level.

Description:

GreatSchools is a national, independent nonprofit organization providing elementary, middle and high school information for public, private and charter schools nationwide. TRF licensed GreatSchools' school directory, school ratings, and test score information for incorporation in PolicyMap. For information about tests administered in each state, please see the Data Directory entry for GreatSchools School District Performance

TRF has chosen to display the GreatSchools Overall School Rating as a measure of overall school performance by state. The GreatSchools rating system is based on a score ranging from 1 to 10, with 10 having the highest performance. GreatSchools calculates their GreatSchools' Overall School Rating by averaging that school's ratings for all grade/subject combinations. For example, if a state test is given in reading and math in grades 3 through 10, the rating for a school serving grades K-5 would be the average of the ratings for grade 3/math, grade 3/reading, grade 4/math, grade 4/reading, grade 5/math and grade 5/reading. School ratings should not be compared across states, as they are relative to the state in which the school operates. If a given school's rating is high, that means that its test scores are better than the test scores of most other schools in the state.

For information about tests administered in each state, please see the Data Directory entry for GreatSchools School District Performance.

Description:

TRF downloaded Nursing Facility, Hospital, Critical Access Hospital, and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) points from the HRSA Geospatial Database. These geocoded locations from the HRSA Geospatial Data Warehouse are from a "Provider of Service" extract from the Online Survey and Certification Reporting System database maintained by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They are included in the HRSA Warehouse because they are the most readily-obtainable data on various classes of health care facility such as hospitals, hospices, rural health clinics, etc.

The Nursing Facility locations provided by HRSA are those facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid for individuals requiring nursing care and assistance with daily life activities. The Hospitals are those facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid Services for individuals requiring temporary or long-term medical treatment. The Critical Access Hospitals are those institutions participating in Medicare and Medicaid and meeting the following requirements: being located in rural areas and being located more than 35 miles from any other Hospital or Critical Access Hospital, having no more than 25 inpatient beds and maintaining an average length of stay of 96 hours per patient for acute inpatient care, and providing 24 hour emergency care services.

"Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)" (often referred to as "Community Health Centers") receive funding under the Health Center Cluster federal grant program to provide care for underserved populations. The types of providers eligible include Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless Programs, Public Housing Primary Care Programs, and care providers for some tribal organizations.

On PolicyMap there is also a dataset called "Community Health Centers and Look-Alikes", which TRF downloaded and geocoded from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website. This includes those receiving grants and community health centers that are eligible but not currently receiving grant funding. Although they are not receiving grants, these providers – or "look-alikes" – are eligible for some benefits including enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. Mapping both FQHCs and "look-alikes" might provide a fuller picture of the health-care safety net in a community. See: http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/Download_HCC_LookALikes.aspx.

Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) are census tracts designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration as having too few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty, and/or high elderly population. See: http://muafind.hrsa.gov/.

Description:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives quarterly aggregate data from the United States Postal Service (USPS) on addresses identified by the USPS as having been "vacant" or "No-Stat" in the previous quarter. These data represent the universe of all addresses in the United States and are updated every three months. No-Stat addresses include Rural Route addresses vacant for 90 days or longer, addresses for businesses or homes under construction and not yet occupied, and addresses in urban areas identified by a carrier as not likely to be active for some time. TRF did not calculate percents of vacant and No-Stat addresses for those areas with less than five addresses. These areas are identified in PolicyMap as having Insufficient Data. As of June 30, 2008, HUD and the USPS offer data divided into three categories: business, residential and other. For purposes of posting meaningful data, TRF chose not to map "other" vacant or no-stat counts or percents. However, the total vacant, total percent vacant, the total No-Stat and total percent No-Stat include the sum of all three categories: business, residential and other.

A few notes of caution with respect to percent change variables: In March 2010 the US Postal Service implemented new procedures to improve the accuracy of its vacancy indicators. This led to a large increase nationally, with much more drastic fluctuations in some local areas. Comparisons across time periods spanning the first and second quarters of 2010 may be problematic. For 2007 and 2008 the USPS geocoding methodology and some of the USPS business practices produced anomalies, which may result in spikes in the total address count in a tract that can not necessarily be attributed as growth since the previous year. Also, zip code splitting, may result in similar spikes or drops in total addresses that can not necessarily be attributed to growth or decline.

Description:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) submits annual reports to Congress about homelessness in the United States. The reports include point-in-time counts of homeless persons on a single night in January based on local community counts. These counts are submitted annually to HUD by local Continuums of Care (CoC) at part of the competitive funding process.

Description:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducts a periodic survey of all households living in HUD-subsidized housing. HUD compiles this information into a series of reports called A Picture of Subsidized Households where household data are aggregated by program at various geographies including tract, county, place, and CBSA. The programs in this report include (but are not limited to) public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 8 project-based housing, New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation, and Section 202 and 811 Supportive Housing programs.

Point-level data on HUD's multifamily and public housing sites are available on PolicyMap. TRF downloaded and geocoded data on multifamily and public housing sites from three different HUD resources. Wherever possible TRF linked the data using the property ID. The three datasets included are the Multifamily Assistance and Section 8 Contracts, A Picture of Subsidized Households 2008 and the REAC assessment scores report. TRF was able to locate 91% of public housing properties and 99% of multifamily properties on a map.

County, tract, place and state level data from A Picture of Subsidized Households 2008 are primarily data aggregated for all of HUD subsidy programs. However, a subset of the data for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, is available for some indicators as well. Percent calculations were attained by dividing counts from HUD by 2000 Census indicators.

Description:

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which was enacted by Congress in 1974, is intended to fund local government activities benefiting low and moderate income people such as ensuring access to affordable housing, creating jobs through retention and expansion of local businesses, and providing basic services to the most vulnerable residents. CDBG funds are allocated on a formula basis and grantees need to submit a Consolidated Plan showing that the activities funded will benefit in majority low and moderate income people.

In order to be eligible for CDBG funds on an area basis, at least 51% of the activity's beneficiaries must be of low and moderate income. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines as low and moderate income all individuals living in a household with income below 80% of the area median family income. HUD publishes a summary of the number of people who are low and moderate income at the split block group level: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/census/lowmod/.

In addition, HUD publishes every year a list of "exception grantees," which are areas with smaller overall concentrations of low and moderate income people. In these areas, the block groups in the highest quartile in terms of concentration of persons of low and moderate income are deemed eligible. The list of exception grantees can be found at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/census/lowmod/exception.cfm.

Finally, HUD publishes every year a list of block groups in "uncapped areas." These are metropolitan areas that are allowed to use different income limits – as specified by HUD – in their Consolidated Plans. To find out if you are an "uncapped" area and what your special income limits are please visit the HUD website at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/census/lowmod/uncapped.cfm.

Policymap displays the number and percentage of persons with low and moderate income (household income below 80% AMI), low income (household income below 50% AMI) and very low income (household income below 30% AMI) at the block group, census tract, Place and CDBG geographies.

Description:

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for each fiscal year. FMR is used primarily to determine payment standard amounts for Federal housing assistance programs. FMR is a gross rent estimates and include the shelter rent, plus the cost of all tenant-paid utilities, except telephones, cable or satellite television service, and internet service. The levels at which FMR is set is expressed as a percentile point within the rent distribution of standard-quality rental housing units. The current definition used is the 40th percentile rent, meaning that 40% of rental units can be rented at or below this threshold.

Description:

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) releases annual funding allocations for the programs administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD). These programs include: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME); Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA); and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG).

Description:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established Area Median Incomes (AMI) for households of various sizes, which are used to determine eligibility for HUD's assisted housing programs, including Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments program, Section 202 housing for the elderly, and Section 811 housing for persons with disabilities.

Many non-federal and non-housing programs also use HUD's income guidelines, often specifying a percentage of the median income that a household's income must fall below in order to qualify. PolicyMap includes AMI at a variety of percentages for a variety of household sizes. The 30%, 50% (Very Low Income), and 80% (Low Income) of median income by family size as well as the overall area median income are provided by HUD. TRF calculated 60% of Area Median Income by multiplying the 50% threshold by 1.2 and calculated 120% of AMI by multiplying the 50% threshold by 2.4, per instructions in the LIHTC legislation, on HUD's website, and in communications between TRF and the HUD User electronic help desk resource. The income thresholds as they are calculated in PolicyMap may not be appropriate for your needs if your programs or requirements specify a different method for determining income thresholds. In particular, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) specifies different Income Limits for qualification levels and rental rates under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code and projects financed with tax-exempt housing bonds under section 142 of the Code. Projects in service in 2007 or 2008 should rely on the Multifamily Tax Subsidy Income Limits (MTSP). See: http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/mtsp.html.

Description:

TRF downloaded and geocoded the properties listed in HUD's LIHTC Database in September, 2009. TRF was able to locate approximately 97% of these developments on a map. The LIHTC program was created by the Tax Reform Act of 1986, and gives state and local LIHTC allocating agencies authority to issue tax credits for acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of low income rental housing.

Description:

The Multifamily Assistance and Section 8 Contracts Database was created to provide HUD partners/clients with a way of measuring the potential impact of expiring project-based subsidy contracts in their communities. TRF linked the HUD Multifamily Assistance Properties to the HUD Multifamily Assistance and Section 8 Contracts available as of 8/4/2010 to show the details for up to four contracts per property. The following properties have more than four contracts, although only four contracts are listed in PolicyMap: Christopher Homes Inc. (800000544), Hackett Manor (800000618), Heritage Manor of Pine Bluff (800000634), Southlawn Estates (800007413), Mattapan Apts (800008662), Tab II (800008914), Greenpointe Regional Housing (800012853), Clare Towers Apartments (800022936), Westby Housing (800023061), Phoenix Villa Apts (800023265), Subsidized Housing Corporation 4 (800079753), Subsidized Housing Corporation 65 (800079760), Subsidized Housing Corporation 116 (800079830), Subsidized Housing Corporation 28 (800079853), Subsidized Housing Corporation 35 (800079860), Subsidized Housing Corporation 44 (800079875), Dolores-Frances Apartments (800219013), Campbell Stone Apartment (800222372).

TRF downloaded and geocoded data on HUD's multifamily sites from three different resources at HUD and wherever possible TRF linked the data using the property ID. The three datasets included are the Multifamily Assistance and Section 8 Contracts, A Picture of Subsidized Households 2008 and the REAC assessment scores report. TRF was able to locate 91% of public housing properties and 99% of multifamily properties on a map.

Description:

HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) provides emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned properties that might otherwise become sources of blight within their communities and induce overall neighborhood decline. The program is currently in its third round, commonly called NSP3, as authorized by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) of 2010. If you were allocated funding for the NSP3 program and have specific questions about your application for HUD you can contact them directly at http://hudnsphelp.info/.

NSP was originally authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) in 2008. HERA established three specific targeting responsibilities for state and local governments implementing NSP:

The second round, called NSP2, was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Unlike NSP1 and NSP3 where funds were allocated to states and units of local government, NSP2 was awarded by competition.

NSP3 Data Sets:

The third round of NSP provides an additional $1 billion through the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. This statute calls for funds to be allocated to states and local governments based on greatest need as determined by the following:

For more see: http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/NSP3%20Methodology.pdf.

State and local governments that received an NSP3 funding allocation must submit an application to HUD by March 1, 2011. To assist in the application process, PolicyMap has chosen to display several indicators including:

Need Eligibility:

PolicyMap shows the Foreclosure Need Score and the State Minimum Foreclosure Need Score for each Census Tract. Scores range from 0 to 20, where 0 indicates that HUD's analysis suggests a very low need and 20 suggests a very high need. To quality for NSP3 targeting, an area must either

• a. Have a Foreclosure Need Score greater than or equal to 17; OR
• b. Have a Foreclosure Need Score greater than or equal to the State Minimum Score.

PolicyMap also has a Tract Eligibility data layer which indicates whether a tract meets one or both of these two criteria. Areas in purple are Eligible for targeting, and areas in yellow are Not Eligible. If the target area or neighborhood on an action plan involves more than one tract, the scores of the tracts are averaged based on the number of homes in each area. To calculate the scores for neighborhoods composed of multiple tracts or block groups, the Housing Unit Count is available. If you are uncertain about the eligibility of individual properties because they lie on the boundaries of tracts, please contact HUD directly for final clarification. They can answer your question here: http://hudnsphelp.info/.

Income Eligibility:

PolicyMap has data available on the income limit requirements for the NSP program. According to the initial targeting specifications spelled out in HERA, all the funding must be used to help individuals and families less than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). If at least 51% of residents in a target area have incomes at or below 120% of AMI, then the area qualifies for 'area benefit' under NSP. Neighborhoods that qualify for area benefit are shown in purple on PolicyMap as Eligible. Areas in yellow are Not Eligible.

Activities in areas that do not qualify for area benefit qualify for NSP if the assisted activity:

- "provides or improves permanent residential structures that will be occupied by a household whose income is at or below 120 percent of area median income..."

- "serves a limited clientele whose incomes are at or below 120 percent of area median income."

The income limits to qualify can be found on PolicyMap under NSP Income Limits. In addition to the 120% of AMI regulation, NSP also requires that 25% of funding must go to help households under 50% of AMI. The 50% income limits are also available on PolicyMap under NSP Income Limits. For additional information please see: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/5447-N-01NSP3Notice100810.pdf

Additional Need Data:

In addition to the eligibility and scoring data, PolicyMap has mapped several other NSP3 indicators to assist local and state groups in preparing their applications including:

- HUD's Estimated Delinquency Rate available by tract. This is HUD's estimated rate, as of June 2010, of mortgages that are 90+ days delinquent or in foreclosure. This value is based on a predictive model built by HUD as follows:

0.523 (intercept)
+0.476 Unemployment Change 3/2005 to 3/2010 (BLS LAUS)
-0.176 Rate of low cost high leverage loans 2004 to 2007 (HMDA)
+0.521 Rate of high cost high leverage loans 2004 to 2007 (HMDA)
+0.090 Rate of high cost low leverage loans 2004 to 2007 (HMDA)
-0.188 Fall in Home Value Since Peak (FHFA Metro and Non.Metro Area)

- Federal Reserve Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on percent of all loans made between 2004 and 2007 that are high cost. These data represent the percent of conventional loans made between 2004 and 2007 as reported by HMDA where the rate spread is 3 percentage points above the Treasury security of comparable maturity.

- HUD estimates of the number of foreclosure starts and REOs at the Census tract and block group geographies. This is a predictive estimate based on the Estimated Delinquency Rate (above) rather than a count of local foreclosure starts or completed foreclosures. Estimated foreclosure completions are based on the statewide totals from RealtyTrac between January 2007 and June 2010; estimated foreclosure starts are based on statewide totals from Mortgage Bankers Association between January 2007 and March 2010. In each case HUD allocated the state totals to each local area based on the rate of seriously delinquent loans and the total number of mortgages made according to HMDA data between 2004 and 2007.

- Estimated number of properties needed to have an impact in an identified target area. HUD assumes that at least 20% of REOs in a target area would need to be addressed in order to have a visible impact. The purpose of this figure, according to HUD, is to "encourage grantees to select target areas that are small enough so that their NSP investment has a chance of stabilizing the neighborhood."

- Census tract and block group estimates of vacant and no-stat properties based on US Postal Service counts. HUD has found that high counts of vacant addresses relative to total addresses is a very good indicator of current or potential serious blight in urban neighborhoods. No-stat addresses are an indicator of vacancy in rural areas as well as heavily distressed properties in some areas. PolicyMap provides the count of these addresses as provided by HUD as well as percent variables, which were calculated by dividing the counts by the total number of addresses. HUD relied on an estimated count of housing units within each block group to assign the vacant and no state counts.

NSP2 Data Sets:

All data made available through the second round of the NSP program is mapped in PolicyMap at the Census tract level data. More information on these datasets http://www.huduser.org/nspgis/nspdatadesc.html.

NSP1 Data Sets:

To assist local and state governments at meeting these requirements, TRF chose to display block group-level key indicators for the determination of eligibility for NSP funds. PolicyMap shows whether an area is considered Eligible, Partially Eligible or Not Eligible. Areas that are shown in dark purple on the map as Eligible qualify as areas of low-, moderate, and middle-income (LMMH) benefit, according to HUD. These areas are defined as places where more than 51% of the people in the area had incomes in 2000 less than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Areas shown on the map in light purple and labeled as Partially Eligible include both eligible and ineligible areas within a blockgroup; users will need to consult HUD data directly to determine if their site meets income eligibility guidelines. Yellow areas of the map are not eligible. Grey shading in the map indicates that the data released by HUD did not include these areas.

PolicyMap also shows HUD's estimated foreclosure/abandonment risk score for each neighborhood. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates that HUD's analysis suggests a very low risk and 10 suggests a very high risk. 10 indicates that an area is in the highest 10 percent of risk nationwide for foreclosure and abandonment based on the combination of HUD's foreclosure risk estimate and vacancy rate. This score does not provide the actual level of foreclosures in each neighborhood, but rather indicates that there is a risk for problems. Grey shading in the map indicates that either the data released by HUD did not include these areas.

PolicyMap shows HUD's predicted 18-month underlying problem foreclosure rate, as well. As is true with the foreclosure/abandonment risk score, this rate does not provide the actual level of foreclosures in an area, but rather predicts what the foreclosure risk might be going forward. This HUD model takes the estimated count of foreclosure starts over 18 months through June 2008 divided by the estimated number of mortgages times 100. Grey shading in the map indicates that either the data released by HUD did not include these areas or that HUD gave these locations more than one rate.

At the Census tract level, PolicyMap shows the Federal Reserve Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on percent of all loans made between 2004 and 2006 that are high cost. These data represent the percent of conventional loans made between 2004 and 2006 as reported by HMDA where the rate spread is 3 percentage points above the Treasury security of comparable maturity. These data were released by HUD for the NSP. Grey areas of the map indicate that HUD did not provide values for these Census tracts; these areas are shown in the map as having Insufficient Data.

Description:

Qualified Census Tracts:
PolicyMap downloaded data on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Qualified Census Tracts (QCT) from tables at HUD's website. A Qualified Census Tract is any census tract (or equivalent geographic area defined by the Bureau of the Census) in which at least 50 percent of households have an income less than 60 percent of the Area Median Gross Income (AMGI). There is a limit on the number of Qualified Census Tracts in any Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) that may be designated to receive an increase in eligible basis: all of the designated census tracts within a given MSA/PMSA may not together contain more than 20 percent of the total population of the MSA/PMSA. For purposes of HUD designations of Qualified Census Tracts, all non-metropolitan areas in a state are treated as if they constituted a single metropolitan area.

Difficult Development Areas:
PolicyMap downloaded data on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Difficult Development Areas (DDA) from tables at HUD's website. A Difficult Development Area is any area designated by the Secretary of HUD as an area that has high construction, land, and utility costs relative to the Area Median Gross Income (AMGI). All designated Difficult Development Areas in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) or Primary Metropolitan Statistical Areas (PMSA) may not contain more than 20 percent of the aggregate population of all MSAs/PMSAs, and all designated areas not in metropolitan areas may not contain more than 20 percent of the aggregate population of all non-metropolitan counties.

GO Zones are areas determined by the President to warrant individual or individual and public assistance from the Federal Government under the Stafford Act by reason of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma. They are treated as DDAs, and the limitation that they do not contain more than 20 percent of the aggregate population of all MSAs/PMSAs is not taken into account. There is no new GO Zone data for 2011.

Description:

HUD's Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) conducts physical property inspections of roughly 20,000 properties owned, insured or subsidized by HUD per year. The purpose of these inspections is to make sure that assisted families are provided with decent, safe and sanitary housing in good repair. The data currently available include inspections conducted from 2001 through September 2009. Inspected properties receive an overall score from 0 to 100 based on five criteria: site, building exterior, building systems, common areas and units.

The REAC score received by the property sets its "standard" and dictates how often HUD will return to evaluate the property:

• A score of 90 points or higher is designated a Standard 1 and required to undergo a physical inspection once every three years.
• A score between 80 and 89 is designated a Standard 2 and required to undergo a physical inspection once every two years.
• A score of less than 80 points is designated a Standard 3 and required to undergo an annual physical inspection.

Standard 3 performing properties with scores below 60 are referred to HUD Departmental Enforcement Center.

TRF downloaded and geocoded data on HUD's multifamily and public housing sites from three different resources at HUD and wherever possible TRF linked the data using the property ID. The three HUD housing datasets included are the Multifamily Assistance and Section 8 Contracts, A Picture of Subsidized Households 2008 and the REAC assessment scores report. TRF was able to locate 91% of public housing properties and 99% of multifamily properties on a map.

Description:

Renewal Communities(RC), Empowerment Zones(EZ) and Enterprise Communities(EC) are part of a federally funded community renewal initiative to revitalize distressed urban and rural areas. Businesses located within these three designations are eligible for specific benefits.

The Renewal Community tax incentives are worth approximately $5.6 billion to eligible businesses of all sizes in Renewal Communities. These incentives encourage businesses to open, expand, and to hire local residents. The incentives include employment credits, a 0% tax on capital gains, accelerated depreciation through Commercial Revitalization Deductions, and other incentives. See http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/library/taxincentivesrc.pdf for complete details.

The Empowerment Zone tax incentives are worth approximately $5.3 billion to small and large businesses in Empowerment Zones. These incentives encourage businesses to open and expand and to hire local residents. Empowerment Zone incentives include employment credits, low-interest loans through EZ facility bonds, reduced taxation on capital gains, and other incentives. See http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/library/taxincentivesez.pdf for complete details.

HUD does not provide a detailed description of Enterprise Communities.

Incentive zones that were authorized before 2000 were specified in terms of 1990 Census Tracts. In PolicyMap it is only possible to display shading for 2000 Census Tracts. If 75% or more of the area of a 2000 Census Tract was deemed an Empowerment Zone, Renewal Community, or Enterprise Community in 1990 (according to the overlap of the 1990 boundary file), then that Census Tract is designated to be of that Zone or Community in PolicyMap.

Description:

The Internal Revenue Service's Statistics of Income (IRS SOI) division produces annual summary statistics on selected income and tax items of individual income tax returns filed in a tax year with the IRS. This includes every Form 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ.

Income tax return filings correspond to neither households nor persons. For example, two married people with one child might choose to file their tax returns together, including the child as a dependent. Or, they might choose to file separately, with the husband claiming the child (with a total of two exemptions on that return) and the wife filing with one exemption for herself. Alternately, there are also cases where this household would file three returns, depending on the income, assets, dividends or capital gains/losses of the child.

In order to protect the privacy of individual filers, data may be suppressed in a few ways and for several reasons. ZIP codes from which fewer than 10 returns were filed were suppressed by IRS SOI. These places are denoted in the legend as Insufficient Data. The data for these ZIP Codes are not included in the state totals.

An additional disclosure protection technique removed any return that represented a specified percentage of the total of any particular cell. For example, if one return represented 75% of the value of a given cell, that return was suppressed from the tabulation. The actual threshold percentage used, however, is not released by the IRS SOI. The returns suppressed in this manner are not included in the state totals. These places are denoted in the legend as Insufficient Data.

TRF does not calculate percentages in cases where the denominator of the calculation is less than ten. For example, if an area has 9 income tax filers and 8 of those filers claimed the EITC, this area will appear grayed out in PolicyMap. TRF does this because the calculation would otherwise show that 89% of filers in an area claimed the EITC and would likely skew the interpretation of the map. These places are denoted in the legend as having Insufficient Data.

Description:

ZIP Code boundary files on PolicyMap are licensed from Maponics. Maponics builds its ZIP codes boundary files from individual addresses to align boundaries with streets; it is the source recommended for business by the US Postal Service.

Description:

The Urban Institute's National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) is the national clearinghouse of data on the nonprofit sector in the United States. The NCCS Core 2007 PC File combines descriptive information from the IRS Business Master File (BMF) and financial variables from the IRS Return Transaction Files (RTF). The BMF is a cumulative file containing descriptive information on all active tax-exempt organizations. Data contained on the BMF are mostly derived from IRS Forms 1023 and 1024. The RTF are a source of all financial data for all organizations that file IRS Forms 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-PF. Organizations not required to file Form 990, including religious organizations and those with less than $25,000 in gross receipts, are generally excluded from the file. NCCS also excludes a small number of other organizations, such as foreign organizations or those that are generally considered part of government.

To create the Core file, NCCS first verifies and corrects, if needed, the financial data in the RTF using the Statistics of Income-coded return, and it manually reviews organizations' 990s on GuideStar when necessary. Next, NCCS matches records from the BMF to records in the RTF. Finally, NCCS enhances the data by adding the following fields available in PolicyMap: classification for each organization using the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (labeled "NTEE Major Group" in PolicyMap), and total revenue (labeled as such in PolicyMap).

Other NCCS variables in PolicyMap include the following: EIN, or Employer Identification Number; Fiscal Year, or fiscal year defined by organization during which filing occurred; and Ruling Date, or year of IRS ruling or determination letter recognizing an organization's exempt status. Reason for 501(c)(3) Status reflects an organization's type at the time it obtained recognition of its exempt status from the IRS. Public Charity or Private Foundation indicates whether an organization is (1) a public charity, which is a 501(c)(3) organization that receives significant public support or falls into another category that entitles them to automatic public charity status, or (2) a private foundation, which is an organization created to distribute money to public charities or individuals, required to distribute at least five percent of their assets each year.

For more information about other variables available on PolicyMap, please see http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/kbfiles/468/NCCS-data-guide-2006c.pdf

The Urban Institute geocoded every nonprofit in the Core 2007 PC File available on PolicyMap, and they assigned all unmatched addresses to the centerpoint of the listed zip code.

Description:

The Common Core of Data (CCD) is a program of the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics that collects selected data about all public schools, public school districts and state education agencies in the United States every year. Data are supplied by state education agency officials. School district data was downloaded from the Elementary/Secondary Information System (ElSi), available at http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/elsi/. Percentages calculated by TRF (such as percent of students who are English Language Learners) were suppressed where the numerator was greater than the denominator (such as when a school district reported more English Language Learners than total students).

Description:

Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center (FREAC) of Florida State University (FSU) geocoded and improved a public library data file from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) and provided these data to TRF for inclusion in PolicyMap. The data are suitable for use in neighborhood, regional, or state-level planning but should not be used for work requiring high levels of accuracy such as parcel mapping. The outlet file was developed to look at the U.S. Census Bureau demographics down to the block group level. The attribute data were developed in conjunction with Dr. Christie M. Koontz, Director of the GeoLib Program, College of Communications and Information, Florida State University.

Description:

Spreadsheet downloaded from National Nursing Center Consortium on April 27, 2011. TRF was able to locate 98% of the points in the spreadsheet.

Description:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) provides maps of heating and cooling degree days. Degree days are a unit of measurement used in energy monitoring. Heating and cooling degree days provide rough comparisons between the heating and cooling needs of different regions.

The annual measure of degree days is based on daily values. Each day, the difference between the 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the average outdoor temperature is recorded, when that value is above or below 65 degrees for cooling and heating degree days, respectively. (65 degrees is considered the outdoor temperature at which buildings generally do not need heating or cooling.) These values are summed annually. The maps in PolicyMap represent the average annual degree days for many years.

PolicyMap displays this dataset for the lower 48 states only. Heating and cooling degree days are reported for climate zones that do no correspond to political geographies. For the sake of display in PolicyMap, TRF assigned each census tract the properties of the zone in which it was located, creating a close approximation of the NOAA map.

Description:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the National Weather Service provide Annual Time Series UV Index data through their Climate Prediction Center. The average UV Index is an average of every UV Index issued within the year by the NOAA/National Weather Service for selected cities. When issuing the UV Index, the NOAA uses the World Health Organization's Exposure Categories of 0-2 as being low, 3-5 as moderate, 6-7 as high, 8-10 as very high, and 11 or more as extreme.

Description:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) provides data on temperatures for each day of each month. The average maximum and minimum temperatures for July and January are calculated by TRF by taking the mean of the range provided by the NOAA and calculating a weighted average based on geographic area. TRF chose to include July and January as months representative of peaks within the hottest and coldest months of the seasons.

The indices commonly known as the "Comfort Index" include a Heat Index (HI) and a Wind Chill Temperature, both of which TRF have calculated in degrees Fahrenheit. The HI is a measure of how hot it feels in July at the middle of the day when relative humidity is added to the temperature. The HI is derived from a calculation provided by the National Weather Service. Temperature and relative humidity data are provided by the NOAA. Wind chill is a measure of how cold it feels at the middle of the day when wind speed is added to the temperature. Wind chill is derived from a calculation provided by the National Weather Service. Temperature and wind speed data are provided by the NOAA. Wind chill temperature cannot be calculated for areas with temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or for wind speeds less than 3 miles per hour.

The NOAA provides data on precipitation and sun for each day of each month. The average annual rainfall days, the average annual snowfall days and the average annual sunny days are estimated by TRF by taking the mean of the range provided for each type of day provided by the NOAA and calculating a weighted average based on geographic area.

Each of these indicators is available for the continental United States and not available for selected parts of Alaska and Hawaii. They are not available for Puerto Rico.

Description:

The New America Foundation's Federal Education Budget Project provides data on federal funding, demographics and student achievement for every school district in the country. Data are accessed from various sources for public research purposes. Total student population, English language learners, and special education participation by school district data come from the National Center for Education Statistics' Common Core of Data. The New America Foundation reports the percent of students in poverty by school district based on data from the US Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE). Student proficiency data for 4^th grade, 8^th grade, and high school students are calculated using state-defined proficiency standards of what students should know and be able to do for each grade as required under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. The New America Foundation reports total Federal, State, and Local revenue per pupil and Federal revenue per pupil based on National Center for Education Statistics' Common Core of Data. Data on funding for individual federal programs comes from varied sources: No Child Left Behind Title I funding information is gathered by Thompson Publishing; Individuals with Disabilities (IDEA) funding comes from the State Departments of Education; and school nutrition funding comes from State Departments of Education, Health, or Agriculture. New America Foundation school district operating budget figures are based on US Census Bureau Public Elementary and Secondary Education data. For further information on any of these sources see: http://febp.newamerica.net/k12/pa/4215450/notes

Please note that not every indicator is available for every year.

Description:

NES provide annual estimates of self-employed people compiled from IRS tax forms filed by establishments with receipts of at least $1,000 per year. The Arts and Culture Indicators Project (ACIP) of the Urban Institute compiled NES data on independent artists to complement arts employment and wage data from the Occupational Employment Survey (OES). NES summarizes the number of establishments, including self-employed artists, without paid employees that are subject to federal income tax. Most non-employers are self-employed individuals operating small, unincorporated businesses, which may or may not be the owner's principal source of income. NES data are organized by industry and use the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). The NES files prepared by ACIP estimate the number and percent of establishments in the industry classified as "independent artists" (NAICS code 71151).

The category of "independent artists" is defined by NAICS as:Independent (i.e., freelance) individuals primarily engaged in performing in artistic productions, in creating artistic and cultural works or productions, or in providing technical expertise necessary for these productions. This industry also includes athletes and other celebrities exclusively engaged in endorsing products and making speeches or public appearances for which they receive a fee.

PolicyMap used this data from the report Cultural Vitality in Communities: Interpretation and Indicators. This report introduces a definition of cultural vitality that includes the range of cultural activity people around the country find significant, then uses this definition understand and source the data necessary to document arts and culture in communities. The information captured by NES is part of an initial set of arts and culture indicators derived from nationally available data.

The data includes part-time and temporary work by artists, as well as work by self-employed artists. The data is a population measurement, and is not subject to sampling error. Limitations include (1) lack of occupational detail: NES groups all types of artists under one category—independent artists—which, unlike OES, cannot be broken up into subcategories of artists; (2) inclusion of non-artists: the independent artist category consists mostly of visual and performing artists, but it also includes several occupations that are not artistic endeavors; (3) exclusion of .off the books. artists: because NES only counts artists who report their earning on their tax forms, not counted are artists not reporting their earnings to the IRS.

Description:

OES derive from a semiannual mail survey measuring wage rates and occupational employment totals for wage and salary workers in non-farm establishments in the United States. The Arts and Culture Indicators Project (ACIP) of the Urban Institute compiled OES data on employment and wages in 12 detailed arts-related occupations. The OES data use the Office of Management and Budget's Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, which includes 801 detailed occupations comprising 23 major occupational groups. ACIP identified 12 occupations relevant to arts and culture, within the major occupation group 27-0000 (Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations). The survey sample of 1.2 million establishments over six panels is drawn from state Unemployment Insurance files. The OES provides cross-industry data files.

PolicyMap used this data from the report Cultural Vitality in Communities: Interpretation and Indicators. This report introduces a definition of cultural vitality that includes the range of cultural activity people around the country find significant, then uses this definition understand and source the data necessary to document arts and culture in communities. The information captured by NES is part of an initial set of arts and culture indicators derived from nationally available data.

OES counts part-time and full-time employees. It may capture some of the part-time artistic work that is performed outside of an artist's "day job". OES has several limitations including (1) exclusion of self-employed workers: because OES exclusively surveys employers, self-employed artists are excluded from OES estimates; (2) missing data: some OES estimates are suppressed because they do not meet the BLS standards for statistical quality or protecting the privacy of individual employers; and (3) sampling error. The true count of artists could vary from the count derived from the sample.

Description:

OpenFlights.org collects information on airport locations and airline routes. TRF downloaded this information, and used spatial analysis to simulate flights in order to estimate which neighborhoods and zip codes likely fall into the path of airplanes taking off and landing at nearby airports. This data is used to indicate the possible presence of noise pollution from airplanes flying over neighborhoods.

Description:

The SSI program is a cash assistance program for low-income aged, blind, or disabled people. States have the option of supplementing their residents' SSI payments and may choose to have the additional payments administered by the federal government. When a state chooses federal administration, the Social Security Administration maintains the payment records and issues the federal payment and the state supplement in one check. SSI data in PolicyMap are for federal and federally administered state payments only. State-administered supplementary payments are not included.

The data come from the Supplemental Security Record, the principal administrative data file for the SSI program. To avoid disclosure of the reason for individuals' eligibility, data on eligibility categories are suppressed for counties with fewer than 15 recipients or where all recipients are in the same category. Therefore, county counts may not sum to reported state numbers. The amount of payments is not shown for counties with fewer than four recipients. These suppressed payment data are included in the state and national totals.

To calculate the percentages in a given area, Census Population Estimates for counties and states were used. Information can be found at http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/.

Description:

The Trade Dimensions Retail Site Database provides a store-by-store database for the whole retail industry. Trade Dimensions monitors every store closing, opening, merger, acquisition, and sale in the retail industry. Available on PolicyMap are the name of the grocery store, and the grocery retail type, whose definitions are available below. The points currently on PolicyMap represent those open as of March 2011.

Grocery Retail Type Definitions:

Supermarket - Conventional

A supermarket is a full-line, self-service grocery store with annual sales volume of $2 million or more. This definition applies to individual stores regardless of total company size or sales, and therefore includes both chain and independent locations. Trade Dimensions utilizes the trade channel definition endorsed by FMI (The Food Marketing Institute) and the leading industry publications. FMI is a nonprofit association of 1,500 food retailers and wholesalers, their subsidiaries and customers. Examples: Kroger, Food Lion, IGA, Cub Foods

Supercenter

A supercenter is a retail unit with a full-line supermarket and a full-line discount merchandiser under one roof. May have separate or combined checkouts. Examples: Wal-Mart Supercenter, Meijer Supermarket

Supermarket - Limited Assortment

A limited assortment supermarket has a limited selection of items in a reduced number of categories. These stores typically offer every day low pricing. Principal differentiation from a conventional supermarket is often in the reduced size and depth of produce and non-food categories such as Health and Beauty Care (HBC), cleaning supplies, paper products and general merchandise. A limited assortment supermarket has few, if any, service departments, and less product variety than a conventional supermarket. Examples: Aldi Food Store, Save-A-Lot

Natural/Gourmet Foods

A natural or gourmet foods supermarket is a self-service grocery store primarily offering natural, organic or gourmet foods. These stores will either focus product offerings around healthy living with fresh produce and natural products, or around gourmet food preparations with upscale oils, spices, cheese, meat and produce. Natural/gourmet foods supermarkets typically have expanded fresh food departments and/or prepared food selections. These supermarkets also typically have a limited selection, if any, of Health and Beauty Care (HBC) and general merchandise. A natural/gourmet foods supermarket does not have over 50 percent of product offerings in one category, as is the case with traditional butcher shops, delis, produce stands or nutritional supplement stores. Note: Ethnic supermarkets are not considered natural/gourmet foods supermarkets. Examples: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Dean & DeLuca

Warehouse Store

A warehouse store is a grocery store with limited service that eliminates frills and concentrates on price appeal. Items are displayed for sale in their original shipping carton rather than placed individually on shelves. This type of store also sells bulk food and large size items. Examples: Cash & Carry, Smart & Final

Military Commissary

A commissary is a grocery store operated by the U.S. Defense Commissary Agency within the confines of a military installation. A commissary can fit within any of the grocery formats. Examples: Fort Hood DECA Commissary, Fort Riley DECA Commissary

Superette/Small Grocery

A superette is a grocery store with a sales volume ranging from $1 to $2 million annually. Typically superettes are independent, but many are affiliated with groups like IGA, Inc. Small grocery is defined as a grocery store with sales below $1 million annually. Also known as "Mom & Pop" stores. Examples: Country Market, Superior Markets

Description:

The Reinvestment Fund's Neighborhood Income Distribution Analysis is based on two indicators: (a) a given census tract's median family income, classified based on regionally-determined income brackets, and (b) a given census tract's income concentration level. For (a), the income classification, TRF used three income bands by region for census tracts: families making less than 35% of median family income in a given region, families making between 35% and 60% of median family income in a given region, and families making more than 60% of median family income in a given region. For (b), the income concentration, TRF developed a score to quantify the census tract level concentration of families across five income bands. We did not include census tracts with fewer than 500 households in the analysis. These tracts are shown as grey areas on the map. Each census tract was cross-classified based on (a) and (b), resulting in nine distinct income distribution concentration types, characterized as follows. Below the income concentration and classification types table and matrix, please see a description of the various regions and their income brackets considered for the income analysis. Beneath these tables, please see our TRF Neighborhood Income Distribution Analysis PowerPoint presentation for a more detailed explanation of the methodology we used, as well as examples of our validation process.

Description:

With support from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund ("CDFI Fund"), as part of its Financing Healthy Food Options Track, in partnership with Opportunity Finance Network, TRF's Study of Limited Supermarket Access (LSA) is specifically designed to: (1) Establish a valid and reliable method for measuring areas with inadequate access within the continental United States; (2) Locate geographic areas with the strongest need for additional supermarket development and quantify the demand for the area; (3) Allow for LSA areas to be prioritized based on the degree to which they lack access, have grocery demand and experience retail leakage; and (4) Provide a mapping tool to allow a diverse range of clients, including policymakers, government agencies, lending institutions, communities and policy research organizations, to analyze LSA areas within their geographies and craft strategies based upon the conditions in their community.

Identifying LSAs

TRF's methodology is designed to identify areas where residents travel longer distances to reach supermarkets when compared to the average distance traveled by residents of non-low/moderate income areas. Comparative areas are grouped based on similar values for population density and car ownership rates. Our data sources include US Census (2010) for population, households, and residential land area, US Census ACS data (2005-2009) for household income, US Census 2000 for car ownership rates; Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (2009) for demand for food at home; and Trade Dimensions (2011) for supermarket locations. Supermarkets include the following store types: supermarkets, supercenters, warehouse, limited assortment, military commissary, and natural food stores in the analysis. Superettes are excluded because they are less likely to provide a wide range of fresh groceries.

This methodology's key assumption is that block groups with a median household income greater than 120% of their respective metro area household medians (or non-metro state medians for non-metro areas) are adequately served by supermarkets and thus travel an appropriate distance to access food. This assumption establishes the benchmark to which all block groups are compared. This assumption is based on existing research that indicates an intense level of competition in the supermarket industry in higher-income communities, leading competitors to optimally locate in areas to adequately serve their customers.

Step I. TRF categorizes all block groups in the continental US into classifications using Census data for population density and car ownership rates. This process resulted in 13 categories ranging from: Density 1 (lowest density – highest car ownership) to Density 8 (highest density – lowest car ownership). TRF determined the residential population density by calculating the count of people and dividing it by the square mileage of non-water areas, minus the area of any non-residential census blocks. This residential population density data can be viewed in the TRF Analytics tab of PolicyMap.

Note: Block groups with fewer than 250 people and less than 100 households were excluded because a significant portion of the land area contains non-residential uses (e.g. park land, industrial, commercial, or institutional areas).

Step II. TRF uses Census block groups as the geographic unit of analysis. TRF calculates the distance traveled from the population center of every census block group (block centroid) to the nearest full-service store. For each census block group, a population-weighted distance is established based on road distance traveled for each of the member blocks.

Step III. TRF calculates benchmark distances based on our key assumption noted above. Each benchmark represents the average block group (calculated in Step II) distance of all non-low/moderate income (LMI) block groups and their nearest supermarket, within each category created in Step I. The benchmark distance represents a "comparatively acceptable" distance for households to travel to a supermarket.

Step IV. TRF calculates a low access score for each block group which represents the percent that the block group distance needs to be reduced to reach the reference group distance. These are the block groups' Low Access Scores. TRF compares the distance from each block group's population-weighted centroid to its nearest supermarket to that of its respective benchmark within the same category created in Step I. TRF assigns an Access Score to all block groups having a longer distance than their benchmark distance to a store. All block groups with distances at or less than their reference distance have negative Access Scores. All of these negative values were coded as "0". Therefore an access score of "0" is defined as block groups with distances at or below their reference group difference.

Step V. TRF used spatial and statistical methods to identify which block groups with positive access scores are spatially clustered with neighboring block groups also with high Access Scores. Only those block groups with Access Scores greater than 0 were subjected to this spatial cluster analysis. The block groups with spatial clustering of high low access scores are referred to as LSA areas. They represent areas with the strongest need for additional access to supermarkets.

Step VI. TRF created retail grocery leakage estimates as a way to determine the magnitude of each LSA area's access problem and its potential remedy – leakage represents grocery sales occurring outside of the LSA area boundaries. Using household income categories (Nielsen 2009) and their respective percentages of income spent on "food at home" (Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2011), TRF estimates total retail grocery demand in each LSA area. TRF also calculates the total sales of all food items from all stores (including existing superettes, drug stores, and in some cases supermarkets) within each block's reference distance. Dollars are distributed equally to all households in the reference distance. The total grocery sales is subtracted from demand, resulting in an estimate for retail grocery leakage. Because the access problem is better understood in terms of square feet, TRF converted dollars leaked to square feet using nationwide weighted averages for sales per square foot among full-service grocers.

Details for TRF Supermarket Study of LSA

For a detailed account of the methodology used in this study, please see the descriptive sections above.

Description:

The Reinvestment Fund's Supermarket Study of Low Access Areas is an analysis estimating food access for the purpose of: (a) identifying areas underserved by full-service supermarkets, (b) further stratifying underserved areas as having significant grocery retail leakage, demand, and lack of access, and (c) providing a tool for a diverse range of clients, including policymakers, government agencies, businesses, foundations, financial institutions, and policy research organizations.

Identifying Low Access Areas (LAA)

TRF's methodology is designed to identify areas where residents travel longer distances to supermarkets compared to the average distance of higher-income areas that share similar values for population density and car ownership rate. Our data sources include US Census (2000) for population living in households, residential land area, and car ownership rate; Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (2009); and Trade Dimensions (2009) for supermarket locations.

This methodology's key assumption is that block groups with a median household income greater than 120% of their respective metro area household medians (or county medians for non-metro areas) are adequately served by supermarkets and thus travel an appropriate distance. This assumption establishes the benchmark to which all block groups are compared. This assumption is based on existing research that indicates an intense level of competition in the supermarket industry in higher-income communities.

Step I. TRF categorized all block groups in the continental US into categories using Census data for population density and car ownership. This process results in 13 categories ranging from "Density 1 (lowest density) – High Car Ownership" to "Density 7 (highest density) – Low Car Ownership". Note that block groups with fewer than 250 people living in households were excluded because they do not represent the typical community structure, in that a significant portion of their land area contains non-residential uses. TRF determined the residential population density by calculating the count of people and dividing it by the square mileage of the area, minus the area of any non-residential census blocks. This residential population density data can be viewed in the TRF Analytics tab of PolicyMap.

Step II. TRF calculated the benchmark distances to support our key assumption noted above. Each benchmark represents the average distance between the population-weighted centroids of all non low-moderate income (LMI) block groups and their nearest supermarket, within each category created in Step I. The benchmark distance represents a comparatively acceptable distance for households to travel to a supermarket.

Step III. TRF compared the distance between each block group's population-weighted centroid and its nearest supermarket to that of its respective benchmark within the same category created in Step I. All block groups having a longer distance than their benchmark were assigned an Access Score that identifies the extent to which they are underserved.

Step IV. TRF used spatial and statistical methods to identify which underserved block groups are clustered together. These underserved clusters, referred to as low-access areas (LAA), represent areas with the strongest need for additional access to supermarkets.

Step V. TRF created retail grocery leakage estimates as a way to determine the magnitude of each LAA's access problem and its potential remedy – leakage represents grocery purchases made outside of the LAA boundaries. Using household income categories and their respective percentages of income spent on "food at home" (Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2009), TRF estimated total retail grocery demand in each LAA. Total grocery sales occurring within each LAA (from superettes and limited assortment stores) were then subtracted from demand, resulting in estimates for retail grocery leakage. Because the access problem is better understood in terms of square feet, TRF converted dollars leaked to square feet using nationwide weighted averages for sales per square foot.

Details for TRF Supermarket Study of LAA

For a detailed account of the methodology used in this study, please see the descriptive sections above.

Description:

The Reinvestment Fund's Market Value Analyses (MVAs) are typologies of local real estate markets, designed to help governments and private investors target investment and prioritize action in ways that can leverage investment and revitalize neighborhoods.

To develop this analysis, TRF uses a statistical technique known as cluster analysis that helps to uncover patterns in data. Cluster analysis does this by forming groups of areas that are similar along a set of selected values that describe those areas. While the groups are formed to be as uniform as possible within, the groups are also as dissimilar as possible from one another. Using this technique, the MVA is able to reduce vast amounts of data on hundreds of thousands of properties and hundreds of areas down to a manageable, meaningful typology of market types that can inform area-appropriate programs and decisions regarding the allocation of resources. TRF uses many indicators in its analyses including various combinations of the following: average home sale price, percent change in average home sale price over time, percent owner occupancy, percent vacancy, percent vacant lots, percent of rental units that are Section 8, percent commercial, percent of properties with foreclosure, percent prime home purchase loans, number of new construction permits, number of Sheriff sales as a percent of owner occupied units, number of public housing units, percent of properties deemed dangerous, percent of structures demolished, percent of high risk or very high risk credit scores for predatory lending, and percent of housing units built before 1950.

Working with the MVA client, TRF forms geographic study areas for the cluster analysis. Although many of these study areas are displayed using similar color schemes, they can not be compared. Please consult the description relevant to the study area for a full description of each MVA.

MARYLAND

Baltimore, MD

In 2008 TRF updated the Baltimore Market Value Analysis with the Baltimore City Planning Department and Baltimore Housing.

TRF cluster analysis revealed nine market types, characterized as follows:

• Competitive: Neighborhoods in this category, like Federal Hill, Canton, and Homeland, have robust housing markets with high owner-occupancy rates and high property values. Foreclosure, vacancy, and abandonment rates are all very low. Most direct interventions are not necessary in the Competitive market. Basic municipal services such as street maintenance are essential to maintaining these markets. While densities do vary, single family detached homes predominate and these areas typically don't have a mix of housing types.
• Emerging: neighborhoods in the "Emerging" category, such as Abell, Hampden and Mt. Vernon, have robust housing markets but with homeownership rates slightly below the citywide average; this category appeals to property owners interested in tapping into a strong rental market. Median sales price is above $244,000. Additional incentives for development and investment in the Emerging market would recognize its potential for growth. There is more variety in housing types and more commercial areas than in the competitive cluster.
• Stable: This cluster includes neighborhoods such as Reservoir Hill, Lauraville and Violetville. Median sale price is around $160,000 and the rate of foreclosure is just below the City average of 5%. In Stable markets, the City should consider stabilizing and marketing any vacant houses. Traditional housing code enforcement is also essential to maintain the existing housing stock. Homeownership is still significant at 55%.
• Transitional: Neighborhoods in the "Transitional" category, such as Allendale, Belair Edison and Kenilworth Park, are found typically at the inner edge of the stable neighborhoods. These neighborhoods have moderate real estate values with median sales prices between $80,000-$100,000, with higher median sales in areas with commercial land uses. Foreclosure rates are slightly higher than average, but occupancy rates are still higher than average. This cluster also has the highest rate of rental subsidy. The city should support homeowners who may be facing economic hardships due to the national economy.
• Distressed: These neighborhoods, which include Middle East, North Penn and Westport, have nearly four times the level of vacant homes and vacant lots as found in other categories. Sale prices typically range from $36,000-$40,000. Distressed markets tend to rely on comprehensive housing market interventions, such as site assembly and tax increment financing. One of the six criteria for identifying the Growth Promotion Areas includes neighborhoods located in distressed markets. Demolitions in the Distressed markets should be clustered to create potential for greater public safety and well as marketability. The housing type here is predominantly rowhouse.

Baltimore, MD

In 2005 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis for the City of Baltimore Planning Department.

TRF cluster analysis revealed seven market types, characterized as follows:

• Competitive: high owner occupancy, high property values, and low abandonment.
• Emerging: fairly high homeownership rates, relatively low foreclosure rate, variety in housing type and greater number of commercial properties.
• Stable: slightly above average foreclosure rate, high homeownership rate, relatively new housing stock.
• Transitional: moderate average sales price, high homeownership rate, and very high foreclosure rate.
• Distressed: very high vacancy rate, very high percentage of vacant lots, low homeownership rate and lowest average sales price.

NEW JERSEY

Atlantic Highlands, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of the Atlantic Highlands for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed eight market types, characterized as follows:

• Dark Purple: highest average sales price, fairly high percent commercial, highest percent owner occupied.
• Light Purple: relatively high percent owner occupied and relatively low percent foreclosure.
• Dark Blue: fairly high average sales price, fairly low percent of rental that is Section 8.
• Light Blue: highest residential parcel change rate, relatively high percent owner occupied, highest percent of rental that is Section 8.
• Light Yellow: fairly high average sales price, very low percent owner occupied.
• Dark Yellow: very high residential parcel change rate, fairly low percent of rental that is Section 8.
• Light Orange: fairly low average sales price, fairly high percent foreclosure.
• Dark Orange: very low percent owner occupied, very high percent foreclosure.

Camden, NJ

In 2000 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of Camden for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. TRF cluster analysis revealed six market types, as follows:

• High Value: highest average sales price at $116,864, very low vacancy rate, majority owner-occupied, and the lowest number of Section 8 certificates.
• Strong Value: high average sales price, high rate of homeownership, low number of Section 8 certificates, lowest number of demolition permits per capita, and lowest vacancy rate at 0.3%.
• Steady: highest rate of homeownership at 79%, highest number of alteration and addition permits per capita, lowest number of older homes, and average number of vacancies.
• Transitional: fairly low average residential sales price, above average owner-occupied.
• Distressed Public Market: highest number of Section 8 certificates and low average home sales price.
• Reclamation: highest number of older homes, lowest average sales price at $18,063, highest vacancy rate at 16.9%, lowest home ownership rate at 44.5%, and highest number of those with high or very high risk credit.

Meadowlands, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of the Meadowlands for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed five market types, characterized as follows:

• Purple: highest owner occupancy, lowest percent commercial, higher average sale price, highest percent of residential permits.
• Dark Blue: high owner occupancy, low percent commercial, slightly higher average sale price, foreclosures evident.
• Light Blue: average sales price, 52% owner occupied, evident vacant parcels.
• Light Yellow: low owner occupancy, highest percent commercial, average sales price, foreclosure activity.
• Dark Yellow: lowest owner occupancy, high percent commercial, lowest average sales price, lowest percent of residential permits.

Newark, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of Newark for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed eight market types, as follows:

• Dark Purple: no subsidized rental units and highest mean sales price.
• Medium Purple: lowest percent owner occupied at 16%, highest percent commercial land, and lowest percent sheriff sales.
• Light Purple: very low percent subsidized rental and relatively high mean residential sales price.
• Light Yellow: highest percent subsidized rental at 68%, highest percent of vacant parcels, and highest rate of new residential construction.
• Dark Yellow: low percent subsidized rental and high percent sheriff sales.
• Light Orange: very high percent subsidized rental, low mean residential sales price and very high percent vacant.
• Medium Orange: high percent owner occupied, lowest percent commercial land at 2%, no subsidized rental units, and high rate of sales price variation.
• Dark Orange: highest percent owner occupied, lowest mean residential sales price, and highest percent sheriff sales at 18%.

The Oranges, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of the Oranges for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed eight market types, characterized as follows:

• Dark Purple: highest owner occupancy, no subsidized rental housing, highest average sales price, lowest foreclosure rate, lowest percent commercial, highest rate of new residential permits.
• Light Purple: high owner occupancy, low percent commercial, no subsidized rental housing, low foreclosures.
• Dark Blue: high owner occupancy, relatively high home prices, relatively low foreclosure rate.
• Light Blue: average owner occupancy, low subsidized housing, average residential prices, relatively low foreclosure rate.
• Dark Yellow: Low owner occupancy, low average sales price, high foreclosure rate.
• Light Yellow: average owner occupancy, very high percent Section 8.
• Dark Orange: lowest owner occupancy, lowest average sales price, high foreclosure rate, high rate of subsidized housing high rate of vacancy.
• Light Orange: Highest rate of subsidized housing, highest rate of foreclosure, highest rate of vacancy.

Riverline, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of the Riverline (along the light rail line extending from Trenton to Camden) for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed five market types, characterized as follows:

• Purple: highest owner occupancy, lowest percent commercial, no Section 8 housing, highest average sales price, lowest foreclosure rate, greatest residential change.
• Blue: relatively low percent commercial mix, very low Section 8 rental housing, relatively strong average residential sales price, very low foreclosure rate and very low residential change.
• Dark Yellow: low average sales price, relatively high foreclosure rate, some commercial.
• Light Yellow: average percent commercial, average foreclosure rate, average sale prices.
• Orange: very low percent owner occupied, comparatively high percent commercial, very low average sales price, and very high foreclosure rate.

Vineland, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of the Vineland area (including Millville and Bridgeton) for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed six market types, characterized as follows:

• Purple: highest average sales price, high owner occupancy, and low presence of subsidized housing, lower vacancy.
• Blue: highest owner occupancy, slightly higher than average sale prices, lowest percent subsidized housing, lowest percent of foreclosures.
• Light Blue: below average sale prices, very high percentage of subsidized rental units, low rate of new residential construction.
• Yellow: below average sale prices, low owner occupancy, high level of commercial, high percent Section 8 rentals.
• Light Orange: lowest owner occupancy, highest percent commercial, highest percent of Section 8 rentals, and very high rate of new residential construction.
• Dark Orange: lowest average sales price at $33,930, lowest percent commercial, highest percent of foreclosures, highest percent of subsidized rental units.

Washington Township, NJ

In 2007 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis of the Washington Township area for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

TRF cluster analysis revealed seven market types, characterized as follows:

• Purple: highest owner occupancy, very low percent Section 8 rental, highest residential sales price, lowest foreclosure rate, highest rate of new residential construction.
• Dark Blue: very low owner occupancy, highest percent commercial, lowest percent Section 8 rental, and relatively high sale prices.
• Medium Blue: very high owner occupancy, lowest percent of subsidized rental, low foreclosure rate.
• Light Blue: average percent commercial, average foreclosure rate, lower than average sale prices.
• Light Yellow: low owner occupancy, high percent commercial, lower than average sale prices, very low rate of new residential construction.
• Yellow: highest percent of Section 8 rentals, very low mean residential sales price, and relatively high percent commercial.
• Orange: lowest owner occupancy, lowest average residential sales price, highest percent of foreclosures, lowest rate of new residential construction.

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia, PA

In 2008, TRF developed a Market Value Analysis for the City of Philadelphia.

TRF cluster analysis revealed eight market types, characterized as follows:

• Regional Choice A: highest home prices, lowest number of foreclosure filings, high percent owner occupied.
• Regional Choice B: low foreclosure, low percent owner occupied, relatively high percent commercial mix.
• High Value C: high number of residential properties with tax abatements, relatively high home prices, high residential density.
• Steady 1D: relatively high homeownership, home prices relatively high and stable, few vacancies.
• Steady 2D: few vacancies, relatively high homeownership, high number of residential properties with tax abatements.
• Transitional E: relatively high and steady home prices and population shifts.
• Transitional F: high number of foreclosures, population shifts, relatively high density.
• Distressed G: high number of foreclosures, relatively low home prices, population shifts, elevated vacancies.
• Distressed: lower home prices, high vacancy rate, predominantly homeowners, much publicly assisted housing.

Philadelphia, PA

In 2001, TRF developed a Market Value Analysis for the City of Philadelphia.

TRF cluster analysis revealed eight market types, characterized as follows:

• Regional Choice: highest home prices, mix of uses, older homes in excellent condition.
• High Value: high home prices, price appreciation, population stability and some growth, less commercial activity, high rate of homeownership.
• Steady: predominantly homeowners, home prices relatively high and stable, homes in good condition, few vacancies.
• Transitional (Up): relatively high and steady home prices and population shifts.
• Transitional (Steady): steady home prices, no robust appreciation, population shifts.
• Transitional (Down): population shifts, worn housing, dangerous properties, elevated vacancies.
• Distressed: lower home prices, physical decay, older homes, elevated vacancies, predominantly homeowners, much publicly assisted housing, substantial population loss.
• Reclamation: population loss, low property values, physical deterioration, hyper-abandonment, dangerous buildings.

WASHINGTON, DC

In 2006 TRF developed a Market Value Analysis for Washington, DC.

TRF cluster analysis revealed eight market types, characterized as follows:

• Dark purple: highest median sales price, lowest percent vacant and highest percent prime loans.
• Light purple: high percentage owner occupied and relatively high median sales price.
• Dark blue: highest percent owner occupied, lowest percent commercial, relatively low percent prime loans, highest percent of Section 8 housing at 19%.
• Medium blue: higher than average sale prices, and average rate of vacancy.
• Light blue: low percent owner occupied, highest percent commercial, average sale prices.
• Dark orange: very low percent owner occupied, highest percent vacant, below average median sales price.
• Light orange: lowest percent owner occupied, below average sale prices, high rate of vacancy
• Yellow: above average owner occupancy, lowest median sales price, lowest percent prime loans, high rate of vacancy.

Description:

TRF calculated local median income as a share of area median income using 2009 Claritas (now Nielsen) estimates of median household income and median family income. For all tracts and block groups located within Census-defined metropolitan areas, this calculation is local median income as a share of metro-area median income. For tracts and block groups outside of Census-defined metro areas, this is local median income as a share of state median income.

PolicyMap has chosen specific breaks in the data, following on commonly used and understood guidelines:

≤30% of area median income
>30% and ≤50% of area median income
>50% and ≤80% of area median income
>80% and ≤120% of area median income
>120% of area median income

However, PolicyMap subscribers can edit the breaks in the ranges if some other set of breaks is preferred.

Please be aware that the thresholds and data sources used in this calculation can vary, and federal agencies may require specific calculations for some program applications. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program defines low and moderate income tracts based on what percent of the population is low or moderate income, rather than by comparing median local values to the surrounding metro area (See HUD Community Development Block Grant Eligibility Criteria above). The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) specifies what years of income data to include in the calculation – 2000 data for local median income and 2004 data for area median income. (See Community Reinvestment Act Eligibility Criteria above). Both CDBG and CRA low and moderate income calculations can be found on PolicyMap under the Federal Guidelines tab.

Description:

TRF calculated the shortest distance to a public school with a GreatSchools Overall School Rating of 9 or 10 for the centroid of each Census Tract in the nation. This representation of access to high performing public schools is limited by the fact that GreatSchools does not assign a rating to every public school in the nation. It is also limited by the fact that school ratings should not be compared across states. Therefore, a public school with a 9 or a 10 in one state may not be comparable to a public school with a 9 or a 10 in another state. This analysis does not take into account political boundaries or catchment areas that may make a public school inaccessible.

Description:

TRF calculated the shortest distance to a public transit rail stop for the centroid of each Census Tract in the nation. Also calculated was the sum of public transit rail stops within various distances of the centroid of the Census Tract. This representation of access to public transit is limited by the geographic coverage of Urban Mapping Inc. data, outlined in the entry for Urban Mapping below in the Data Directory. This analysis does not take into account physical barriers (eg, rivers, highways) that may make a transit stop inaccessible, nor a transit line's frequency or destination.

Description:

The Food Desert Locator is a project of the Economic Research Service, the economic information and research division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Locator contains data about food access determined by the Treasury Department, Health and Human Services, and the Agriculture Department (USDA). A committee comprised of these three departments, along with staff from the Economic Research Service (ERS/USDA) determined a definition of food deserts used within the data and for determining eligibility for HFFI funds.

Low access is defined in this study as (a) in urban tracts, the percentage of people that live more than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery store or (b) in rural tracts, the percentage of people that live more than 10 miles from a supermarket or large grocery store. These data were published by the Economic Research Service (ERS/USDA) as a part of a 2009 report to U.S. Congress. In the 2009 report, the ERS used 1-kilometer square grids as the base of the analysis as a method for measuring distance from the nearest source of healthy foods. For the 2011 release of the data online, the ERS converted the grid data to the census tract level data. Other data sources used in this report include a list of Stores Authorized to Receive SNAP benefits, as well as data from Trade Dimensions TDLinx, both from the year 2006. Data is only shown for Census tracts identified as having low access. Census tracts not identified as having low access appear as grey in the map.

Description:

The Food Environment Atlas is a project of the Economic Research Service, the economic information and research division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Atlas assembles data about food choices, health and well-being, and community characteristics. Data are available at various geographies including county, state and region.

Health related indicators, including diabetes, adult obesity and low-income preschool obesity rates, come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adult rates are taken from the CDC report "Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Diabetes and Obesity – United States, 2007" accessible online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5845a2.htm. The low income preschool figures were derived by a CDC analysis of the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System, see http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5828a1.htm.

Data on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, come from the Food and Nutrition Service of USDA's SNAP Benefits Redemption Division. Data on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program come from the Food and Nutrition Service of USDA's Program Analysis and Monitoring Branch, Supplemental Food Programs Division. SNAP benefits data are calculated by the Bureau of Economic Analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Low-income participants in the SNAP program come from Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau. Population data used to determine rates is from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The local food data come from two sources. Farmers' market data are taken from the Agricultural Marketing Service department of the USDA, see: http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/. Data on farms with direct sales to consumer are from the 2007 Agricultural Census, see: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/index.asp.

Description:

TRF requested and received (via the Freedom of Information Act) the list of properties in the USDA Rural Development's Multifamily database in October 2007. TRF geocoded the properties listed in the USDA's Rural Development Multifamily database as of 11/1/2007. TRF was able to locate approximately 95% of these developments on a map.

Description:

The Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database contains data on prime farmland throughout the country based on soil quality. Included in this data are areas classified as "All areas are prime farmland", "Farmland of statewide importance", "Farmland of local importance", and "Farmland of unique importance". Not included are conditional areas of prime farmland (e.g. "Prime farmland if drained").

Description:

The Critical Habitat Portal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides information on threatened and endangered species final critical habitat designation across the country. Includes areas relating to threatened, endangered, and species of concern.

Description:

The National Wetlands Inventory provides information on the extant and status of wetlands across the country.

Description:

Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections provides information on elections for president, senate, and house of representatives. It also provides information on turnout to these elections. Included are the general elections of 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. Midterm elections are not included. County-level data for Alaska is not included because Alaska does not report its election results by county. Turnout data is only available for presidential elections, as midterm elections in different states do not have a standard top-of-the-ballot race by which turnout is calculated.

"Margin of victory" maps provide a handy guide to see who won a given geography, and by how much. Values are calculated by subtracting the number of votes for the runner-up candidate from the number of votes for the winning candidate, and dividing that number by the total number of votes cast. Ranges, and not specific numbers, are available for each area.

"Change in percent" calculations were calculated by subtracting the 2004 presidential candidate's vote percentage from the 2008 candidate's vote percentage. For example, if John Kerry won 45% of a county in 2004, and Barack Obama won 55% of that county in 2008, the change in percent would be 10%. Note that for House of Representative elections, this is calculated every two years. When elections are uncontested (ie., a candidate from one party runs, and no other candidates from another party run), we label the non-contesting parties as having received zero percent of the vote, even though they did not appear on the ballot. In some congressional districts where a candidate ran unopposed, no vote total was tallied by election officials; we label candidates in these districts as having "Insufficient data" for vote counts, and the winner as having 100 percent of the vote for the percent and change-in-percent calculations.

Description:

The Protected Areas Database of the United States represents public land ownership and conservation lands. The lands are assigned conservation status codes that denote the biodiversity level and natural, recreational, and cultural uses. The following status codes are included in our data:

Private Conservation Land
National Wildlife Refuge
National Forest-National Grassland
Resource Management Area
Habitat or Species Management Area
Recreation Management Area
Protective Management Area - Land, Lake or River
Wilderness Area
State Forest
State Park
Agricultural Protection Land
National Park
Local Conservation Area
Watershed Protection Area
Historic / Cultural Area
Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Wild and Scenic River
National Landscape Conservation System – Wilderness
Marine Protected Area
Research Natural Area
Local Forest
National Landscape Conservation System – Non Wilderness
Research and Educational Land
National Trail
Conservation Program Land
Mitigation Land
National Natural Landmark

Description:

The United States Geological Survey's National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the USGS's primary source for elevation data. PolicyMap calculates the average elevation as a weighted average of all available elevation counts in a given area. Because the NED does not provide full coverage of elevation data for the entire United States, some areas may be represented by an average of the available data. The USGS updates its database as improved source data becomes available.

Description:

The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) contains surface water information for the United States. It contains features such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, canals, dams, and streamgages.

Description:

Urban Mapping Inc. provided PolicyMap with public transit rail lines for 53 transit systems in the US. Data is available for systems in the following areas:

Description:

Founded in 1971, CommonBond Communities is the largest nonprofit developer, manager and service provider for affordable homes in the Upper Midwest. The organization preserves, builds and manages apartments and town homes while providing technology-based services and resources for residents. CommonBond Communities manages properties throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. The organizational mission is to build community by creating affordable housing as a steppingstone to success. They live this mission by bringing community members and residents together in community-impacting ways. Their properties provide homes that serve people who often earn no more than 30-60 percent of Area Median Income. Qualified families, seniors and people with special needs live in CommonBond properties and are seen as assets to urban, suburban and rural cities where they reside.

The organization uses a comprehensive approach. CommonBond works with first-rate architects and utilizes quality builders and materials to ensure well-built, affordable housing that lasts. The experienced property management team makes certain that properties are well maintained and their housing is compliant with the complex rules and regulations that govern the industry. The CommonBond staff and volunteers support both residents and resident programs.

CommonBond's point of difference is their nationally recognized Advantage Center resident services. The Advantage Centers are technology-based, on-site resources that enable CommonBond to provide more than housing. The resident services staff often includes social workers, employment specialists or youth workers who provides individual services and programs that specifically address the needs of each resident. The Advantage Centers focuses on preventing homelessness, creating family stability, helping residents secure employment, fostering youth achievement and aiding seniors and people with special needs as they live independently as long as possible.

Learn more at
CommonBond Communities
328 Kellogg Blvd W
St Paul, MN 55102
651-291-1750 (main) | 651-291-1003 (fax)
Web: www.CommonBond.org

Description:

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits is a not-for-profit administrative agency of The United Methodist Church, responsible for the general supervision and administration of the retirement, health and welfare benefit plans, programs and funds for more than 74,000 active and retired clergy and lay employees of the Church.

All General Board plans, programs, services and policies are designed to serve and support the financial well-being of participants and their families in accordance with the values and principles of The United Methodist Church.

The General Board manages and invests over $16 billion in assets, is the largest faith-based pension fund in the U.S. and ranks among the top 100 pension plans in the country.

Description:

TRF contracted with the Woodstock Institute to download and geocode foreclosure filings and auctions within the City of Chicago available from Record Information Services, Inc. Data does not include commercial foreclosures, and it does not include information on any outcomes other than REO or sold properties. Foreclosure filings were downloaded by input date, while auctions were retrieved by date of sale. Both auctions and foreclosure filings data is updated on a quarterly basis and released in the third week of the quarter.

Record Information Services (RIS) compiles data on foreclosures, real estate, mortgage, and bankruptcy for the State of Illinois. For more information on the raw data available through RIS, they can be reached at 630-557-1000.

Description:

Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) is a 501(c)(3) network of eight social enterprise nonprofits. SAHF's members provide high quality, affordable rental homes for 80,000 households in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

SAHF's members promote their shared ownership objective, which embraces the notion that stable, affordable rental homes are critically important in people's lives. Through their deal flow, SAHF's members stay on top of policy and marketplace developments nationwide. They come face-to-face almost daily with barriers to preservation of affordable housing for the poor, which enables them to discern patterns. Seeing the patterns and having the expertise, SAHF works with its members to develop policy solutions that work.

SAHF's members include: Mercy Housing, Inc., National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT), National Church Residences, Inc. (NCR), NHT/Enterprise Preservation Corporation, Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POAH), Retirment Housing Foundation (RHF), Volunteers of America (VOA), and NHP Foundation (NHP).

Description:

M&T Bank (then Wilmington Trust) Workouts Group contracted with Arcadia Land Company and TRF to develop a comprehensive database and mapping system for their residential housing investments. The following table provides a description of each of the relevant indicators, which are available only to M&T Bank and Arcadia Land Company:

All market data is provided by Wilmington Trust Company. Wilmington Trust Company subscribes to Hanley Wood (HW) Market Intelligence and has requested that the HW data that they purchase be incorporated into the database to be uploaded to PolicyMap. No other market data has been collected. This HW data is organized by homebuilder and the GIS data is organized by project. Therefore, some multi-builder projects have data sets for multiple builders. The numbering of the builder is only used to differentiate the data sets and is no indication of builder performance or any other aspect of the builders' relationship to or with the project. HW Market Intelligence data is gathered through publicly available County transaction data. Any questions regarding HW Market Intelligence Data or data collection methodology should be directed to HW Market Intelligence. The current data set is through September, 2011.