Community Boards assess their community’s needs and make recommendations for the City’s budget and District Needs Statement. Data and mapping tools can assist Community Boards in gaining an overall understanding of existing conditions and needs. Today, this information is usually gathered by walking the streets.

For example, Manhattan Community Board 2 reviewed and mapped accessibility conditions in Greenwich Village; Brooklyn Community Board 3’s transportation committee collects information about bus and subway stops, in order to send DOT educated requests; Brooklyn Community Board 3 also conducts simple surveys to determine budget needs. District Managers of Manhattan Community Board 10 and Bronx Community Board 7 expressed interest in mapping crime statistics.

Here are some examples of tools that can assist Boards in collecting data and mapping existing conditions.

• 311 DashboardAn online tool displaying a roundup of all 311 related information. District Managers can use it to monitor service requests and explore trends.
• 311 Service Status ReportA spreadsheet summarizing 311 service requests, sorted by location and status. Currently used by several Community Boards.
• Local StudyGathering information about existing conditions and creating a vision for a future project.
• Online Crowd SourcingAn interactive map for residents to identify and share problems, and suggest ideas for improvements.
• Online SurveysCollecting input about a specific issue or project through a survey website. Assists Community Boards in getting feedback from more people.
• SMS from StreetAllowing residents to report to their Community Board, directly from their mobile device.
• Street SurveysCollecting data about existing street conditions, in order to identify the needs for improvement.