Southern communities face some of the nation’s most persistent economic, health, and environmental inequities. At the same time, they are navigating increasing instability in public data systems, including the rapid removal of critical datasets and tools, a decline in data quality, and uncertainty about future data collection efforts. These challenges disproportionately affect community-based organizations and local and state governments that rely on timely, trustworthy data to make decisions, allocate resources, and plan for healthier futures.
This document summarizes key insights from that webinar, alongside perspectives from experts and practitioners working to strengthen data systems across Southern communities. It is intended as a learning resource for funders, data leaders, and partners seeking to support equitable, resilient data infrastructure that is accountable to the communities it serves.
