Data & Learning

Data helps us understand the impact of the Purpose Built model and supports continuous learning as we work to strengthen neighborhoods. Guided by an evolving theory of change, we draw on multiple data sources and insights from residents to inform our approach. The diagram below shows how these elements connect, and the slide-out overlay describes how we measure change.

Driving Impact Through Learning: An Evolving Theory of Change

How It Starts

Community Quarterback Organizations partner with residents and stakeholders to co-create a resident-centered vision and deliver community transformation.

Purpose Built Communities coaches, connects, resources, and convenes these organizations, which execute work at the neighborhood level.

A community of practice and convenings strengthen the Purpose Built Network’s health and vitality.

The Work

Community Quarterback Organizations partner with residents and organizations to:

  • Build and renovate mixed-income housing.
  • Create high-quality education pathways.
  • Expand access to medical care, mental health supports, and healthy food.
  • Foster community cohesion with gathering spaces.
  • Support local businesses and create a thriving commercial core.
  • Provide job training and placement programs to help families achieve stability.

The Intended Outcomes

Results include:

  • Belonging and social cohesion.
  • Stable, thriving households.
  • Inclusive wealth-building opportunities.
  • Youth graduating high school with pathways to college and careers.
  • Improved health outcomes and life expectancy.
  • Lower poverty rates and higher employment in living-wage jobs.
  • Commercial viability with healthy local businesses.

How We Measure Change

Program and Operational Data

Program and Operational Data help us understand the work of Community Quarterback organizations, who they partner with, how many residents they engage, and the funding they can leverage.

Population-Level Data

Population-Level Data from sources like the US Census Bureau, local school districts, and other agencies provide insights about economic mobility in neighborhoods.

Community Surveys and Evaluations

Community Surveys and Evaluations provide resident voice to understand the experience of neighborhood transformation and are invaluable sources of data on health outcomes and sense of belonging.

Research Evidence

Research Evidence from academia and the field informs all of our data and measurement work, particularly because it points to shorter-term measures that tell us whether we’re on track for the long-term change we aim to achieve.

How We Measure Change

Purpose Built Communities