A Beginner’s Guide to Civic Research

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, with 65% of the population expected to live in cities by 2040, understanding and managing the relationship between human factors and urban systems has never been more important. Civic research plays a vital role in this process, by shedding light on the unspoken needs and values of local communities and using that information to design urban systems that meet those needs in a sustainable and equitable way. It’s like having a secret map that guides us to create the perfect city for its inhabitants, by understanding how they interact with the built environment and what they need to thrive. With civic research, we can ensure that our cities are not just functional, but also livable and enjoyable for everyone.

At this time in human history, we have the tools and minds to understand the direct results of our actions on the world around us and the people with whom we coexist. Giving one’s time and effort to a particular cause can be a personal decision or an expression of a group’s core values. There are several challenges for platforms of all sizes, from misinformation to changing data restrictions, that make it difficult for deserving causes to gain attention.

Just think how much worse our already serious waste management issues will become as the population of our cities continues to grow. Imagine the traffic on our already congested roads increasing as imports make their way to dispatch and people go about their daily commutes. It doesn’t matter what aspect of city life you analyze, the underlying systems that are required to create desired end goals will be under duress.

The idea of “baton carriers” for civic research is an important aspect of this, as it refers to the continuous effort to decode the evolving needs and values of the community, ensuring that any system we adopt is reflective of those needs. For example, a “baton carrier” could be a data analyst cleaning open data so that urban planners, researchers, and citizens can make informed decisions to improve city services. Another example is housing. By collecting and cleaning data on housing prices, vacancy rates, and the needs of low-income residents, city planners can create more affordable housing solutions and develop policies to ensure that all residents have access to safe and decent housing. From these examples, you get a sense of the amount of coordination and interdisciplinary skillsets needed to effectively make an impact. For those with backgrounds in project management, coordination, and data analytics, this article serves as a guide on how your skills can be applied in the field of civic research.

First up, product managers.. or what I like to call, “the big brothers”. Product managers are responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of products, and they often have a wide range of responsibilities that include market research, product strategy, product development, and product marketing. Skills, such as planning, organization, and oversight, are essential for ensuring that civic research projects are completed on time, within budget, and in line with the needs and priorities of local communities.

Picture this: you’re leading a team of researchers, urban planners, and data analysts in uncovering the needs and values of your community to create a city that truly works for everyone. For instance, you masterfully develop a research plan and timeline that keeps the project on schedule and within budget. With your ability to manage a team, you are able to assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide guidance and support to your team. By coordinating with other stakeholders such as city officials, community organizations, and funding agencies, your research is able to align with their goals and priorities. And with your expertise in financial management, you’re able to allocate resources where they’re needed most.

Next up, coordinators! Coordinators are the unsung heroes of civic research, bringing together different perspectives and disciplines to solve complex problems. Their critical skills in project management, systems thinking, and communication is essential for identifying and addressing the most pressing issues facing our cities.

Take, for example, you’re a coordinator leading a research project to improve public transportation in a city. Using your project management skills, you bring together a team of transportation experts and work with stakeholders to identify key research questions, develop research methods, and collect and analyze data. You use your systems thinking skills to understand how public transportation is interconnected with other systems such as housing, economic development, and accessibility. And finally, you allow your communication skills to shine making sure that the research results are accessible and actionable for policymakers and community members.

Last but certainly not least, data analysts. These wiz’s play a crucial role in civic research by turning raw data into actionable insights that can help inform important decisions and drive positive change in communities. Imagine you’re a city planner trying to decide where to build a new park. You have a lot of data at your disposal — demographic information, crime statistics, transportation patterns, and more. But all of that data can be overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where a data analyst comes in.

A skilled data analyst will take all of that data, and through a process called data cleaning, they’ll make sure that it’s accurate and consistent. They’ll then use their analytical skills to uncover patterns and trends that might not be immediately obvious. For example, they might find that the city’s low-income neighborhoods have very little access to green space, which could inform the decision on where to build the new park.

But the role of data analysts doesn’t stop there. They’ll use their visualization skills to create charts and maps that make it easy for stakeholders to understand the data and the insights they’ve uncovered. And they’ll use their statistical skills to draw conclusions that are grounded in data, rather than just assumptions. With all these tools and skill, the data analyst will be able to provide the city planner with a clear and compelling case for where the new park should be built, and that is where the excitement comes in. The data analyst has helped turn mountains of data into a plan of action that will benefit the community.

Now that you’ve been able to imagine yourself in one of the three roles, let’s look into the implications of not using civic research.

Imagine a city that is struggling with traffic congestion and poor air quality. The city officials, in their efforts to solve the problem, decide to build a network of highways and flyovers without conducting any civic research or consulting with the community.

The construction of the new roads leads to the displacement of local residents and the destruction of community gardens and green spaces. The new highways and flyovers also fail to alleviate traffic congestion, as they encourage more people to use cars and do not address the root causes of the problem, such as a lack of public transportation options and inadequate infrastructure for biking and walking.

As a result, not only are the residents’ quality of life affected, but the air quality continues to deteriorate, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems. Furthermore, the loss of green spaces and community gardens leads to a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in the urban heat island effect.

But it doesn’t stop there, the displacement of the community also leads to a disruption in the social fabric of the area, which could lead to increased crime rate, poverty and many other negative consequences. As well as a loss of public trust in the government and a lack of participation in future decision making process, making it harder for the city officials to address the community needs and issues.

This scenario illustrates how not using civic research and neglecting to involve the community can lead to unintended consequences and make problems worse instead of solving them. It highlights the importance of civic research in understanding the needs and values of the community and designing urban systems that meet those needs in a sustainable and equitable way.

The flip side of not using civic research is dire. Unfortunately, this is a reality many neighborhoods face around the world. It’s critical that we involve as many stakeholders as possible to tap into the true power of civic research.

Here are some overlapping skills that are required to participate:

A. Strong communication skills to effectively engage with community members and stakeholders.

B. Data analysis skills to interpret and make sense of the information collected through research

C. Knowledge of urban planning and development concepts and best practices

D. Strong project management and organization skills to manage research projects

E. Inclusivity and equity understanding to ensure that research includes and represents marginalized communities

We’ve covered a lot, but all of this information is worthless if you can’t put it into practice. If you’re interested in getting into civic research there are multiple ways to gain experience and start making an impact. Here are some strategies that can help you get started on the path to becoming a civic research pro:

A. Get your hands dirty by volunteering with community organizations or non-profits that conduct civic research in your area. Imagine yourself getting involved with research projects, working alongside community leaders, and gathering insights to make real change happen. These opportunities not only give you experience in data collection and analysis, but also in project management and community engagement.

B. Take advantage of academic programs or initiatives that can give you a deeper understanding of civic research. Universities and research institutions often offer courses or programs that provide in-depth knowledge on the subject and opportunities to participate in research projects and initiatives, the perfect chance to gain hands-on experience. It’s a great way to round out your skill set and make connections in the field.

By volunteering with community organizations or participating in academic programs, you can gain the experience and skills you need to make an impact in civic research. So don’t wait, start exploring the opportunities in your community and take the first step toward a career making a difference in people’s lives.

Civic research is a powerful tool for driving progress in our communities. Imagine having the ability to uncover the root causes of complex issues and develop data-driven solutions to make a real impact on people’s lives. That’s exactly what civic research does!

It’s not just about crunching numbers and creating charts, it’s about using data to uncover the hidden stories of our communities, and empowering decision-makers with the information they need to create lasting change.

As a project manager, coordinator or analyst, you’ll play a vital role in turning raw data into actionable insights that can drive real change in our communities. The possibilities in this field are endless and it’s constantly evolving. It’s time to join the data revolution and be a part of something that can change the world.