Dear Atlas Users,

As we transition into fall, we’re excited to share the latest research and resources we’ve released. From examining the shifting demographics of Black communities in the Bay Area to amplifying local voices through data-driven storytelling, we’ve continued equipping advocates, policymakers, and community leaders with the insights they need to drive equitable change across the region. Now we invite you to explore the updates below, engage with our tools, and take action to help create a more equitable Bay Area for all.

Exploring the Shifting Demographics of Black Communities in the Bay Area

This summer, we launched Black in the Bay Area, our research series that examines the evolving landscape of the region’s Black population. The first analysis in this series — Who is Black in the Bay Area? — provides key insights into immigration patterns, changes in ancestry, and the complexities of multiracial identity, challenging traditional narratives of decline. Alongside the analysis, we’ve released an updated interactive dashboard, offering dynamic, accessible data on key indicators like education, income, and representation across the Bay Area.

Amplifying the Voices and Lived Experiences of Bay Area Residents

We’re proud to reflect on the success of one of our signature features — the “In Their Own Words…” series. This data-driven storytelling project has provided a unique lens for exploring the local context of critical equity issues, such as housing instability, linguistic isolation, transit inaccessibility, and economic insecurity. By amplifying personal stories from people who live and work across the region, we’ve brought Atlas data to life, offering a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the challenges many residents face. These stories continue to highlight the diversity, resilience, and ingenuity that define Bay Area communities. Explore the story map.

New Indicators Shed Light on Economic Insecurity and Homelessness in the Bay Area

We’ve added two new indicators to the Atlas: basic family needs and experiencing homelessness. They provide data-driven insights into the challenges families face in meeting their essential needs and the stark realities of homelessness in the region. Each indicator features 25 detailed displays that break down data by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and trends over time. These displays are further enhanced by informative maps and rankings that illustrate the geographic and demographic nuances of these issues. By integrating these new indicators into the Atlas, we aim to shed light on the persistent economic and housing inequities impacting communities across the Bay Area, while also lifting up actionable solutions to address these issues.

Data Update: Bay Area Recovery Dollars Tracker

The December 31, 2024 deadline to obligate funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program is fast approaching. Localities have until the end of this year to complete their obligation or the remaining dollars will be returned to the US Treasury. To continue bolstering efforts to ensure these funds are invested equitably, we’ve updated the Bay Area Recovery Dollars Tracker to reflect city and county spending plans through March 31, 2024. Our latest assessment reveals that the 33 larger Bay Area localities reflected in the dataset have made plans to spend $2.8 billion (93 percent) of their $3 billion SLFRF funds, leaving $222 million (7 percent) left for them to allocate. Learn more.

New Housing Affordability Factsheets: Redwood City and Salinas

We’re excited to share two factsheets we developed to highlight the housing affordability challenges in Redwood City and Salinas, where more than half of households are renters and many of them are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs. In Redwood City, a proposed fair and affordable housing ordinance aims to stabilize rents, protect against unjust evictions, and improve living conditions, potentially saving rent-burdened households an average of $15,300 annually. The City of Salinas is working on a rental stabilization ordinance that would offer similar protections, with rent-burdened households standing to save an average of $8,300 per year. Both factsheets were developed in partnership with local housing advocacy groups, including Faith in Action Bay Area, Affordable Redwood City, Public Advocates, and BHC Monterey County.

Get Involved: An Open Call for Stories

We are currently sourcing additional stories for our “In Their Own Words…” series — and we could use your assistance. We are actively seeking stories that would align with the following indicators: disconnected youth, employment, basic family needs, police use of force, homeownership, and economic gains: racial equity in income. If you know of anyone whose experiences would be valuable to share, or if you have ideas for new stories, please contact us at info@bayareaequityatlas.org.

— Bay Area Equity Atlas Team