V&A has developed a more accurate approach for identifying low-income populations–drawing from multiple data sources–that we believe better identifies the quantity and location than the Census Bureau Poverty thresholds method recommended by federal and state government. Our methodology includes additional data sources to help identify where affected vulnerable individuals or populations are located.
Unlike Census Bureau poverty thresholds which are the same nationwide, the methodology we recommend takes into account HUD data for local cost of living when identifying low-income populations. This new method is also generally considerably more inclusive than the Census Poverty thresholds.
The new and more precise methodology is now being recommended for adoption by WisDOT for environmental justice compliance on major transportation projects.
Contact us to find out more about our services for GIS mapping, environmental justice, and transportation planning.
