(Mis)Quantifying Value: Data Analytics and the Affordable Housing Crisis

(Mis)Quantifying Value: How Data Analytics (and the lack thereof) Contribute to the Affordable Housing Crisis
Across the country and within Cincinnati, housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable and racially unequal. The vast majority of households' largest expense is their housing with lower income families regularly paying over half their income on their housing. Lower income families and people of color are often doubly disadvantaged: experiencing higher housing costs, including property tax and rent, but lower returns to their investment in homeownership. This is in part due to the algorithms used to evaluate property. eruka, a local nonprofit, has published empirical research demonstrating how the data and approaches of both market appraisals and tax assessments perpetuate inequality and unaffordability. They are also using computer vision and machine learning to innovate new sustainability and equitable approaches. eruka's founder, Dr. Junia Howell, will be discussing this research and their ongoing efforts to use data science to foster a more just economy.

Session will take place 4-5pm, followed by networking 5-6pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Meetups are hosted the third Wednesday of each month at Union Hall in OTR and feature subject matter experts and enthusiasts in the fields of data and analytics.

Thank you to our sponsors:

• KNIME for providing refreshments. KNIME is an open-source, free-to-use data analytics platform that empowers users of all skill levels to create data workflows visually—no coding required. Whether cleaning data, building machine learning models, or automating analytics, KNIME makes it easy and intuitive. Download the free and open-source KNIME data analytics platform today and start unlocking your data's full potential.
• InfoTrust, our digital sponsor. If you are looking for a new position, check out their website at infotrust.com/careers- they are a great place to work right here in the Cincinnati area.
• Cintrifuse for providing the space to meet. If you’re a founder looking for support, be sure to visit cintrifuse.com- they're a startup catalyst and innovation hub right here in the greater Cincinnati area.

Transportation options to Union Hall include:

• Bus: there are over 10 bus stops within a three block radius of Union Hall. These stops are serviced by lines that go to neighborhoods including Walnut Hills, Norwood, Pleasant Ridge, Northside, College Hill, Clifton, Mt. Auburn, Avondale, Finneytown, and others. Bus fare within Hamilton County is $2, and you can plan your trip using the Transit app: transitapp.com.
• Cycling: bike parking is available on the street right outside Union Hall, and bikes are permitted inside Union Hall, if you would prefer to bring your bike inside.
• Driving: the Mercer Commons Garage is right across the street from Union Hall, and is $4 for 2 hours.