Community Science
The evidence is clear that frontline communities are disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities that impact their health and well-being. As an organization, we advocate for investments in the built environment, housing, economic stability, health care, education, and social supports—social determinants of health—to increase our neighbors’ life expectancy and quality of life.
Our work is driven by the quantitative and qualitative data that explains the history, lived experiences, and impact of environmental hazards on Southside residents. We rely on data to help tell the story of Southside neighborhoods, identify key environmental issues, and advocate for critical investments and policy changes to address the most pressing needs in the community.
We work with academic institutions, leverage existing studies, and use community surveys to gather relevant data. The insights gained from this research inform the development of a data-driven, environmental justice policy agenda that helps Richmond reach its goals in RVAgreen 2050, Richmond 300, and other community-led planning.
Community Science Projects
Go with the Flow: Flood Mapping
Go with the Flow is a community flood mapping initiative in partnership with the University of Richmond to better understand which neighborhoods flood in Richmond — and to help steer solutions where they’re needed most.
Air Aware: Air Quality Monitoring
Air Aware is a collaborative effort with residents and the University of Richmond to gather data to help us understand how air quality varies across neighborhoods in the city and how pollution overlaps with urban heat islands.
From the Field: Community Science Blogs
Dive into the research, resident observations, and collaborative learning that are powering our community science work. These blogs document how data, lived experience, and local partnerships are helping uncover challenges and guide solutions.
Community science provides an opportunity for anyone to contribute meaningful data to further our understanding of key issues.
With that data, we can advocate for tangible changes to improve our communities.
Our Community Science Wins
Community science turns lived experience into data that can drive better decisions. Explore stories highlighting resident-led research, environmental monitoring, community flood mapping, and partnerships with students and researchers to deepen understanding of local challenges and shape more equitable solutions for Richmond’s future.
