What is the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance?
The City Data Alliance is an initiative by Bloomberg Philanthropies designed to help city leaders maximize the use of data and technology to improve services and resident outcomes. The program provides technical coaching, leadership development, and expert support to advance data-driven governance.
Allentown was selected as part of the third cohort of the City Data Alliance, joining a network with 25 forward-thinking cities across the country. Through this program, we have strengthened our approach to using data to inform policy, enhance transparency, and improve city services.
Our Data-Driven Initiatives
As part of our participation in the City Data Alliance, Allentown has developed two key initiatives that will guide our city’s data practices in the years ahead:
Allentown Citywide Data Strategy
The Allentown Citywide Data Strategy (2024-2027) establishes a vision for how the city will use data to improve services, decision-making, and transparency. The strategy focuses on:
- Building data literacy among city staff
- Improving data quality and governance to ensure consistency and security
- Enhancing public engagement through better data access
- Using data for performance management to optimize city services
Read the full strategy here
Resident Impact Data Project: Eviction Analysis
As part of the City Data Alliance, Allentown conducted a Resident Impact Data Project focused on eviction trends. We analyzed local eviction data to better understand patterns, identify gaps, and collaborate with housing partners to improve eviction mitigation strategies. Key findings include:
- 18 evictions are filed per day in Lehigh County
- 77% of cases result in rulings favoring landlords
- Serial evictors file a disproportionately high number of cases
- The 18102 ZIP code sees the highest concentration of evictions in the city
This data-driven approach is shaping Allentown’s policies to support renters, improve housing stability, and enhance collaboration with community partners.
Read the full report here
What’s Next?
Allentown will continue to implement its data strategy, improve how city departments use data, and ensure that data-driven decision-making benefits all residents. Our Data Governance Committee will oversee this work and ensure that our city’s data practices align with transparency, equity, and service improvements.
Have questions or want to learn more? Contact laura.cole@allentownpa.gov.