Disaggregated Demographic Data Standards
Open Data Policy Appendix E
Centering equity for inclusive data driven decision making
Disaggregated Demographic and Geographic Data Standard
These guidelines were developed to provide guidance to the City of Tempe on why, when, and how to collect and manage demographic and geographic (location) data in a consistent manner. This guide also provides advice on sharing and reporting disaggregated demographic and geographic data for equity purposes.
The goal of these guidelines is to support consistent collection of demographic and geographic data from City service users and community members with standardized question and answer options.
Data for Equity Strategy
Data for Equity refers to the use of disaggregated demographic and location data to understand needs, develop programs and policies that serve all residents more equitably, monitor progress and assess equity impacts while controlling for conscious and unconscious bias.
Leveraging data in this way supports equitable, evidence based and accountable decision making. Adopting and using the disaggregated demographic and geographic data standard will provide the data needed to center equity for inclusive data driven decisions.
Objectives
To analyze, report and use disaggregated demographic and geographic data to assess equity impacts and inform service planning and delivery and policy decisions.
To collect demographic and geographic data that are relevant to the specific use case.
To collect consistent, high-quality demographic and geographic data on a voluntary basis from Tempe residents, service, and program users, needs assessments and community engagement activities.
To use the level of disaggregation appropriate for the problem (individual responses versus data summarized to census tract level or a combination of both)
To leverage existing census data at the smallest enumeration unit level (i.e., tract, block group, etc.) to assess equity impacts and inform service planning and delivery and policy decisions.
The standards in this document include core and comprehensive questions. Core questions collect the minimum data and categories for demographic and geographic data collection. Comprehensive questions provide expanded categories for certain demographic groups or more specific location questions.
While not included in these standards, other agencies, programs, grants, or services may have external reporting requirements that differ from the standards outlined in this document. For those cases, the demographic data collection should align with those specific requirements.
Guidelines for collecting and using demographic and geographic data.
In advance of collecting or using disaggregated demographic and geographic data, the city should consider and address
Data Privacy: Respect data privacy laws and regulations to protect the personal information of individuals. Follow proper data collection, storage, and usage practices in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, such as data protection acts or privacy laws.
Equity and Non-Discrimination: Avoid using demographic or geographic data to discriminate against individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Ensure that government decisions based on demographic data do not perpetuate or exacerbate existing inequalities.
Data Accuracy and Reliability: Use accurate and reliable data from reputable sources to ensure the quality and integrity of the data being used for decision-making. Be transparent about the limitations, biases, and uncertainties associated with the data used.
Fairness and Transparency: Use demographic and geographic data in a fair and transparent manner. Clearly communicate the rationale, methods, and outcomes of using demographic data in government decisions to stakeholders, including the public, to promote accountability and trust.
Contextual Understanding: Consider the broader social, economic, and historical context when interpreting demographic data. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations that may lead to misrepresentation or misinterpretation of the data. Understand the nuances and complexities of demographic data and how they may impact decision-making.
Inclusivity and Engagement: Include diverse perspectives and voices in the decision-making process, especially from communities that may be affected by the decisions based on demographic data. Engage in meaningful consultation and dialogue with stakeholders to ensure their input is considered and integrated into the decision-making process.
Impact Assessment: Assess the potential impacts of decisions based on demographic data, including unintended consequences, and take appropriate measures to mitigate any negative impacts. Regularly evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of using demographic data in decisions to inform future decision-making.
Ethical Considerations: Consider ethical implications when using demographic data, such as potential biases, stigmatization, or unintended consequences. Use demographic data in a responsible and ethical manner, prioritizing the well-being and rights of individuals and communities.
By following these guidelines, Tempe can use demographic and geographic data in a responsible and equitable manner, supporting evidence-based decision-making that promotes fairness and social justice.
STANDARDS
Prior to collecting demographic or geographic data from individuals, the purpose for collecting the data should be clearly defined and should guide decisions about what data to collect. Not all demographic data may be appropriate for every situation. Data collection should be intentional so that we only collect data relevant to the specific use case and not a potential future use that doesn’t currently exist.
Where possible, ranges for questions where specific values are not requested (such as with income and age) align with the ranges used in common census questions.
Demographic Survey Language and Questions
As part of our efforts to make Tempe more equitable, inclusive, innovative, transparent, and data driven, we are asking demographic questions of people we engage with through surveys, public meetings, and other forums.
You can help us get a better understanding of the inclusiveness of our community engagement efforts by answering the following demographic questions. Your responses are integral to ensuring that we are conducting effective outreach and making wise future investments for our community.
The following questions are for internal planning purposes only and are confidential. We will not release or share any information that can be tied to an individual community member. None of the information you provide will be used to disqualify you from participating in any capacity.
Answering these questions is optional.
Active Duty - Core
Have you ever served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard?
Never served in the military
Only on active duty for training in the Reserves or National Guard
Now in active duty
Active duty in the past, but not now
I prefer not to answer.
Age - Core
What is your age?
18-24,
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
I prefer not to answer.
Disabilities – Core
Do you identify with having or living with a disability?
Yes
No
I prefer not to answer.
If yes, please select all that apply:
Mobility or other physical disabilities
Visual
Hearing
Intellectual, Developmental, Cognitive
Speech or Communication
Mental Health
Invisible
Not listed above, please describe:
I prefer not to answer.
Another option with the disabilities question is to have descriptions of what each category means (see comprehensive)
Gender - Core
What gender do you identify with?
Male
Female
Non-conforming
I prefer not to answer.
Education - Core
What is your highest level of education?
Less than high school
High school diploma, GED or equivalent
Some college
Associates Degree (2-year college)
Bachelor’s Degree (4-year college)
Professional Degree beyond Bachelor’s
Post Graduate Degree
Vocational/apprenticeship
Post high school certificate
Employment Status - Core
What is your current employment status?
Employed full time
Employed part time
Not employed
Self employed
Homemaker
Retired
Student
Housing - Core
Do you own or rent your home?
Yes
No
Other (please describe):
Have you been homeless in the past or are you currently experiencing homelessness?
I have experienced homelessness in the past.
I am currently experiencing homelessness.
I prefer not to answer.
Income – Core
Which of the following ranges best describe your household income?
less than 10K
10,000 - 14,999
15,000 -24,999
25,000 - 34,999
35,000 - 49,999
50,000 - 74,999
75,000 - 99,999
100,000 - 149,999
150,000 - 199,999
200,000 or more
Language - Core
Language spoken or signed at home, select all that apply:
English
Spanish
American Sign Language (ASL)
Other (please specify):
Location – Core
What is your zip code?
85281
85282
85283
85284
85288
Other (please specify):
I prefer not to answer.
Marital Status - core
What is your marital status?
Married or domestic partner
Single, never married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
I prefer not to answer.
Race and Ethnicity Categories – Core
Which of the following describes your racial or ethnic identify? Select all that apply.
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Latinx or Hispanic
Middle Eastern/North African
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
White
Middle Eastern/North African
Not listed above, please describe:
Religion - core
What is your religion or spiritual affiliation? Please select one only.
Agnosticism (Agnostic)
Atheism (Atheist)
Buddhism (Buddhist)
Christianity (Christian)
Hinduism (Hindu)
Indigenous spirituality
Islam (Muslim)
Judaism (Jewish)
Sikhism (Sikh)
Spiritual
More than one faith or religion
No religion
Not listed, please describe: _________
I prefer not to answer.
Sexual Orientation - Core
Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
Yes
No
I prefer not to answer.
Disability – Comprehensive
Do you find it challenging to access City events, programs or services because of lack of accessibility or a need for additional support?
Yes
No
I prefer not to disclose.
If yes, please describe the nature of your need for additional access. Select all that apply:
Mobility or other physical disabilities (Do you have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?)
Visual (Do you have serious difficulty seeing. Do you use a screen reader, large print etc.?)
Hearing (Do you have serious difficulty hearing, use ASL, cart etc.?)
Intellectual, Developmental, Cognitive (Do you have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, understanding, or making decisions?)
Speech or Communication (Using your usual language, do you have difficulty communicating?)
Mental Health (Do you have serious difficulty with mood, behavior or thinking even with medication?)
Invisible (Do you have a disability that is not readily apparent by your general appearance?)
Not listed above, please describe:
I prefer not to disclose.
Housing - Comprehensive
What best described your current housing situations? Please select only one.
Homeowner
Renter
Permanently living with parent(s) or other family member(s)
Temporarily staying with others (no fixed address)
Homeless
Other (please describe):
I prefer not to answer.
Language – Comprehensive
Language spoken or signed at home:
English
Spanish
American Sign Language (ASL)
Other:
Language Preferences:
Written:
English
Spanish
American Sign Language (ASL)
Other:
Spoken or Signed:
English
Spanish
American Sign Language (ASL)
Other:
Location – Comprehensive
What is your address?
What are your closest major cross streets?
Race and Ethnicity Categories – Comprehensive
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
| Hispanic or Latinx
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
Middle Eastern/Northern African
White
Not listed above, please describe |
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