Citi Community Development and PolicyMap Launch Data-Rich Mapping Tool to Inform and Drive Investment in Underserved Communities

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PolicyMap (http://www.policymap.com)and Citi Community Development (CCD) (http://www.citicommunitydevelopment.com) announced the launch of the PolicyMap Data Tool, a portal to the national data, tables, charts, reports and maps that are available on the broader PolicyMap platform.  This powerful, interactive tool, featured on the Citi Community Development website, is a valuable resource for making informed community development and investment decisions. 

"In the current environment, data is critical to ensuring effective and efficient investment of limited resources," said Bob Annibale, Global Director of Citi Community Development. "The PolicyMap Data Tool provides a fact-driven platform for community development practitioners and policy makers to access comprehensive neighborhood data in one place.  We are pleased to make this resource available, as we are committed to expanding the availability and use of hard data to drive revitalization strategies in communities across the country."

The PolicyMap Data Tool allows users to navigate to any geography in the country and view pertinent information in an easily-accessible and user-friendly format. The information available through the Tool includes demographics, home sale statistics, mortgage trends, education trends, information about jobs and the economy, and much more.

To help introduce users to the PolicyMap Data Tool, CCD and PolicyMap will host a free webinar on November 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST, during which participants will learn how to use the powerful data visualization and other features of the Tool.  The webinar will be hosted by Laura Sparks, Director of Community Development Finance Initiatives for CCD, and Elizabeth Nash, Associate Director for PolicyMap.  To register, send an email to [email protected].

PolicyMap, a service of The Reinvestment Fund, is an online data analysis and interactive mapping system that enables users to generate maps, tables and reports based on over 15,000 data indicators. Using Geographic Information Systems technology, PolicyMap displays key social and economic statistics for U.S. communities down to a neighborhood level. A complete list of data sets can be found in PolicyMap's comprehensive data directory. 

About The Reinvestment Fund and PolicyMap
PolicyMap (www.policymap.com) is a service of The Reinvestment Fund, a nonprofit leader in financing neighborhood revitalization. A fully web-based interactive map tool (http://www.policymap.com/online-mapping-tools/index.html), PolicyMap empowers decision makers with better access to credible market and demographic data in an easy-to-use geographic information system.

About Citi Community Development
Citi Community Development (CCD) is leading Citi's commitment to achieve economic empowerment and growth for underserved individuals, families and communities by expanding access to financial products and services, and building sustainable business solutions and innovative partnerships.  Our focus areas include:  commercial and philanthropic funding; innovative financial products and services; and collaborations with institutions that expand access to financial products and services for low-income and underserved communities. For more information, visit www.citicommunitydevelopment.com.

Press contact:
Maggie McCullough
(215) 574-5840
[email protected]
www.policymap.com  

Press contact:
David Roskin
(212) 559-4767
[email protected]
http://www.citicommunitydevelopment.com

SOURCE The Reinvestment Fund