Defining Environmental Justice Communities in Allegheny County: Data User Group Meeting Recap

On July 29, we partnered with the Allegheny County Health Department on an event held at their offices in Lawrenceville. We convened over 30 data users to identify indicators that can be used to identify “environmental justice” communities. The Department’s Plan for a Healthier Allegheny calls for targeted and focused strategies and investments to be made in areas of highest need. Establishing environmental justice communities will help the County define baseline conditions and track progress toward one of the Plan’s objectives to  “Reduce local emissions in high priority communities in Allegheny County.” Defining communities will also allow the Health Department’s community partners to prioritize their 2016 efforts. Feedback from the participants at our event will help inform the County’s analysis...