Post From Network Commons
Share this post!
The live conversation, which aired on February 26, 2026, brought together practitioners who are putting community-led data strategies into practice. At a moment when large federal datasets are increasingly uncertain, the discussion highlighted why locally grounded data matters more than ever. Community-owned data can foster trust, deepen inclusion, and support decision-making that reflects lived experience and local priorities.
Attendees gained insights into how organizations across the country are reclaiming data as a resource for community power. Speakers shared examples of how community feedback and neighborhood-level data are shaping more responsive programs and services, and why community-led data approaches are essential for advancing equity, trust, and accountability.
Watch the recording:
Featured Speakers:
D. Rashaan Gilmore, Founder and President/CEO, BlaqOut
Lakota Vogel, Executive Director, Four Bands Community Fund
Kathryn Pettit, Senior Fellow, Housing and Communities Division, Urban Institute
Moderators:
Ruth Thomas-Squance, Co-Executive Director, Build Healthy Places Network
Ashley Hernandez, Research and Product Manager, Build Healthy Places Network
Learn more
Check out the resources shared during this webinar!
BHPN Publications:
Urban Institute Resources:
Blaqout Resources:
Four Band Community Fund Resources: