In 2024, Data You Can Use partnered with the MKE FreshAir Collective to analyze and visualize the data they collected through their air quality sensors. The mission of MKE FreshAir Collective is to provide accurate, timely information about air quality in Milwaukee to residents, businesses, and policymakers, with a steadfast commitment to equity and addressing systemic racism. They use state-of-the-art, consumer accessible equipment to monitor air quality in real-time. Our 2024 report analyzes trends in air quality at a neighborhood level, utilizing the data from MKE FreshAir Collective’s air quality sensors. 

This project examines the intersection of quantitative data with life experience as it affects Black and Latine youth in Milwaukee. Data was collected from the U.S. Census and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and shared with partners through small, focused conversations called “data chats”. Data chats provide an opportunity for those most affected and closest to the data to discuss how the data reflects their unique experiences and to consider possible solutions for issues. Check out the full report to see what themes around Black and Latine Youth Achievement in Milwaukee were uncovered over the course of two data chat projects. 

Project RETURN was a winner of the 2020 Data Dream Award from Data You Can Use (DYCU) with sponsorship from the Siebert Lutheran Foundation. Project RETURN (Returning Ex-incarcerated people To Urban Realities and Neighborhoods) exists to help men and women make a positive, permanent return to community, family, and friends. Project RETURN leadership wanted to know more about the characteristics of those who would be returning to Milwaukee County so that they could better prepare and advocate for adequate resources for the recently incarcerated. Their experience led them to identify housing as a primary need and studies show that stable housing is related to reduced recidivism. Read the report here.

This map was originally developed at the request of community organizers in Milwaukee, who wanted a way to determine when some institutions with liquor licenses could be held accountable for their actions or the actions of their patrons.

This map includes all of the liquor licenses in the City of Milwaukee. Hovering over a site will show details, including the name and expiration date of the current license.

Created in 2021, this interactive map shows health conditions that may signal greater caution for COVID-19, mapped by census tract across the City of Milwaukee using data from the CDC’s 500 Cities Project. The map also outlines approximate neighborhood geography using Census tracts. Data You Can Use also created COVID-19 Health Digests for 16 neighborhoods across the city to help residents and elected officials better understand the risks to Milwaukee citizens with pre-existing conditions.

The purpose of the Amani Safety Initiative, which was supported through a Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation grant from 2016 – 2020, was to engage residents and use data and best practices to improve police and community relations while increasing safety in the Amani neighborhood. Partners included Milwaukee Police Department, Dominican Center, Safe & Sound, LISC Milwaukee, Amani United, COA, Hepatha Lutheran Church, the District Attorney’s Office, and Data You Can Use.

This report, compiled in November 2020, is intended to provide a basic overview of population demographics and other indicators relating to poverty in the Siebert Lutheran Foundation service area. These indicators were selected for their relevance to the foundation’s expressed interest around poverty in the four counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha. Data at the national and state level have been provided for comparison.