The Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT) initiative has had an eventful year! Launched by Professor Emerita Karen Chapple of the Center for Community Innovation in early 2023, EDDIT has been incredibly successful in its venture to provide data analysis and storytelling training to organizations working towards urban equity.
EDDIT works closely with organizations in small and mid-sized cities across the U.S. and Canada to help them leverage data, communicate the impacts of their work, and ultimately build more public will for equitable development. EDDIT is a collaboration between the Center for Community Innovation at UC Berkeley and the School of Cities at the University of Toronto, where Dr. Chapple is also the director. EDDIT is generously funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
To date, two cohorts - comprising a total of 10 stellar organizations committed to furthering equity in their cities - have participated in the EDDIT training. Organizations include a mix of both local governments and nonprofit groups. As part of the EDDIT process, each team proposed a specific project to use as the focus of their training. The projects selected by the 2023 and 2024 cohorts reflect the range of what equitable development encompasses: community infrastructure investment, equitable downtown revitalization, environmental justice, affordable housing, public transit accessibility, and more.
In June 2024, all 10 organizations gathered for the EDDIT Symposium in Toronto to practice their data storytelling, share insights, and connect with likeminded urbanists. The 2023 cohort gave their final presentations, showcasing how they used data to power their equitable development case and craft compelling data stories targeted to their specific audience. Get a glimpse of their work by checking out these case summaries and video! In just a few weeks, the 2024 cohort will also share and get feedback on their final presentations at a virtual showcase.
Looking ahead to 2025, applications will open soon for interested local government and nonprofit organizations working in small and mid-sized cities. Be sure to check out the EDDIT website for updates and join our contact list to be the first to know when applications are available.