Data-Driven Development in D.C.: Insights from ULI Washington’s Future Forum

PolicyMap was proud to participate in ULI Washington’s 4th Annual Future Forum, From Challenge to Change – Building for Tomorrow!, a convening that brought together leaders from across real estate, planning, and community development to explore how today’s decisions can shape more resilient and equitable places. As part of the event, PolicyMap’s Jacinda Linderman joined the Future of Data and Development panel to discuss how data is influencing development patterns and investment decisions across Washington, D.C.

During her presentation, Data-Driven Development in D.C., Jacinda explored how data can both illuminate opportunity and surface hard truths about equity in the region. Using PolicyMap data, she unpacked the complex relationships between income, race, housing costs, and geography—showing how who lives where is deeply connected to decades of policy and investment choices.

Jacinda also highlighted the role of two major federal tools shaping development outcomes today: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which are central to affordable housing production, and Opportunity Zones, which are designed to attract private capital to targeted areas. By examining these programs side by side, her analysis revealed a critical gap between where investment dollars tend to flow and where affordability needs are most acute—underscoring the importance of using data to better align capital with community needs.

Slides from Jacinda’s presentation are available below. Click a slide to enlarge.