For over a decade, Innovate Memphis has served as a trusted civic data intermediary from launching the City of Memphis’ Office of Performance Management to maintaining the Memphis Property Hub to offering customized research and analysis to address the growing needs of local community partners. Recognizing the fragmented and siloed state of Memphis’ data ecosystem, we developed Data Midsouth, a centralized civic data hub designed to empower community organizations, researchers, and the public through open data access that supports the public good.

Our goal is to provide a best-in-class civic data platform that:

• Ensures equitable access to civic information.
• Standardizes  and centralizes reporting on community trends.
• Builds capacity for civic organizations, researchers, advocates, and public agencies to take meaningful action using local data insights.

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What We Do
We offer accessible, user-friendly dashboards and a searchable repository of data assets spanning a variety of domains from housing to education to public health and safety. Through robust data-sharing agreements and collaboration with grassroots partners, we streamline access, reduce duplication, and ensure reliable reporting on key indicators of civic wellbeing.  

‍Who We Serve
Our platform supports diverse user groups, including:

• Nonprofit and civic leaders shaping strategies and programs.
• Decision-makers and funders determining resource priorities.
• Researchers and analysts advancing collaborative projects.
• The general public advocating for better community services and investments.

Focused initially on Shelby County, we aim to expand outreach across the greater Memphis metropolitan area, fostering a data-informed future for our Midsouth region. 

‍Our Impact
As the driving force behind Data Midsouth, Innovate Memphis bridges data gaps between government, nonprofits, researchers, and community advocates. With over 15 years of staff experience in data analytics and a proven track record of impact, our team is uniquely equipped to deliver this transformative project.

Leveraging years of expertise and strategic partnerships, Data Midsouth builds on Innovate Memphis’ accomplishments, such as:

• Launching the City of Memphis’ Office of Performance Management in 2016.
• Hosting the Memphis Property Hub to centralize local housing and community development data.
• Facilitating quarterly Civic Data Forums with over 35 organizations since 2019.
• Serving as Memphis’ designated organization for the Urban Institute’s National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership since 2020.
• Earning recognition through the Urban Institute’s Thomas Kingsley Impact Award for research on housing stability during COVID-19.

By connecting data with action, we believe this information gives users the power to strengthen local policies, optimize resource allocation, and improve community outcomes. Let’s build a stronger, more informed Memphis—together.