About
Access to and availability of data has long been a barrier to effective planning and decision-making in Vermont. This initiative aims to create user-friendly, community-informed data tools and services to address public challenges such as housing and environmental conservation.
Objective
To create a service for the state of Vermont, housed at UVM’s Center for Rural Studies, that leverages open data, data science, open-source approaches, and community engagement to identify, develop, pilot, and govern data tools and services of value to Vermonters.
Approach
The Collaborative employs a three-pronged approach:
1. Research
- Mapping Vermont’s open data ecosystem and identifying key stakeholders
- Soliciting stakeholder input into program development and community needs
- Developing a rural data services model through community-university partnerships
- Conducting ongoing research to improve rural data services and expand offerings
2. Data Services
- Consolidating public data into user-friendly dashboards and platforms
- Creating infrastructure for cleaning and hosting data products at UVM
- Developing new data offerings based on community needs
3. Community Engagement
- Creating accessible data platforms for Vermonters
- Engaging communities to maximize understanding and use of tools
- Providing professional development and training for data-driven decision-making
Other Academic–State Government Partnerships
Across the U.S., universities and state governments are collaborating to harness data for public good. These partnerships mirror the Vermont Data Collaborative’s goals by combining academic expertise, open data, and community engagement:
- California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) CHIS is the largest state health survey in the U.S., run by UCLA’s Center for Health Policy Research in collaboration with California state agencies. It provides public dashboards and microdata for researchers, planners, and advocates.