The next evolution of Neighborhood Nexus is here

In an increasing data-centric world, we're pivoting to put people first.*

Data is getting bigger, faster. But useful insights aren’t keeping up. Too often, big data and the exceedingly complex models built on top of it add noise, distancing us from the people we’re trying to serve. In fact, the noise has become so loud, the World Health Organization declared an Infodemic.

?? For over a decade, Neighborhood Nexus has aggregated public data and helped organizations like yours take informed action. And we’re about to get even better!

Our team listens to leaders like you to understand what information is most needed to make tough policy, program, and funding decisions. What we hear most:

• reliable real-time (or at least timely) information
• lived experience as actionable data
• clarity of complex systems
• prioritization of neighborhoods and audiences
• strengthening nonprofit data muscles

?? So we have a new strategy: talking to lots (and lots) of real people across our diverse communities and sharing what we learn. With the acceleration of automation, AI, and accessible tech (not inherently bad things), we don’t see many folks leaning into the hard work of creating the missing data—community voice. So that’s what we’re doing!

As we shift our focus to more human and actionable local data, we’re also evolving as an organization. To better enable community engagement, growth, experimentation, and diversified revenue, we’re setting out on a path to incorporate Neighborhood Nexus as an independent 501c3 nonprofit!

?? Here’s what that looks like right now:

1. We’re spinning out of the Atlanta Regional Commission after more than a decade of incredible support to become an autonomous organization under the fiscal umbrella of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
2. ?? Our new office is in the Mercy Care clinic (424 Decatur Street) across from the King Memorial MARTA Station in Sweet Auburn
3. ?? Our new emails are [first initial last name]@neighborhoodnexus.org
4. ?An exciting new initiative to elevate community voice as actionable data in partnership with Atlanta Civic Circle will be announced soon

Onward to a more human-centered, data-informed future! ??

*This line is adapted from Beth Kanter and Allison Fine’s book The Smart Nonprofit, which you should read by the end of 2023.