The city utilized the data to map disparities and identify neighborhoods where infrastructure was failing to meet the needs of the population. ACS data on housing characteristics, income, population, age, educational attainment, and employment status, combined with community feedback, highlighted infrastructure challenges—especially related to drainage and road conditions. These challenges were significantly impacting quality of life in specific neighborhoods. Residents in the southeast quadrant faced flooding due to the lack of a functioning stormwater drainage system. Meanwhile, concerns about roadways, as well as water and wastewater systems, were brought up by households in the southwest corridor.  

Outcome

Two projects addressed flooding and infrastructure challenges, enhancing safety and livability for residents. For the southeast quadrant, we invested $1.3 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and state appropriations to construct stormwater and road infrastructure. This resolved water pooling problems in yards and along roadways, improving safety for over 400 residents. For the southwest corridor, we executed a $3.5 million roadway reconstruction and infrastructure upgrade project, funded by state and city resources, improving conditions for over 50 homes. Our experience in South Bay is a testament to how combining ACS data with proactive community engagement, can guide small cities toward big, meaningful change.

Locations

South Bay, Florida

ACS Topics Used

Housing characteristics, income, population, age, educational attainment, and employment status

This story was adapted from the story originally published by the National League of Cities, which can be found at:
 https://www.nlc.org/article/2025/08/07/from-data-to-decisions-fighting-flood-risks-with-acs-data/