2024 SAG Award Winners

LaBella and Niagara University

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Project Goal

Many revitalization projects depend on GIS for data analytics and collaboration. What sets this project apart is the role GIS plays in collective action and community investment. LaBella, a full-service engineering firm headquartered in upstate New York, is teaming with the Niagara Falls Neighborhood Evaluation Committee on this revitalization plan focused on creating a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive community. The committee is spearheaded by Niagara University and includes several key stakeholders including the City of Niagara Falls, Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation. LaBella is supporting research, engagement, grant funding, and housing initiatives by utilizing GIS to promote collaboration, open data sharing, and data-driven decision-making.
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Business Problem Solved

A comprehensive data collection and web-mapping effort is underway that provides critical information on population demographics and household metrics which reveals factors contributing to environmental and socio-economic inequalities.

Data will be shared back to the community and stakeholders so that informed decisions can be made regarding home ownership and future projects. ArcGIS Experience Builder paired with ArcGIS Hub is the platform for collaboration which supports LaBella's work to ensure that the collected data is accessible to all, thus fostering a synchronized approach and integrated plan. Moving forward, the data collected and shared will directly influence future development policies and play a crucial role in assisting the City with formulating a comprehensive revitalization strategy backed by actionable goals.

Technology Implemented

ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Hub, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Community Analyst

Development Team Biography

•Rebecca Smith GISP, LaBella Associates, Project Manager, Senior GIS Specialist.
•Dr. Karen Kwandrans Ed.D, Niagara University, Associate Vice President for Strategic and External Relations, Project Director.

Niagara Falls Neighborhood Evaluation Committee:
o Kevin Forma, City of Niagara Falls, Director of Planning & Environmental, City of Niagara Falls
o Matt Chavez, NORLIC, Project Manager at Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation
o Dr. YongHong Tong Ph.D., Niagara University, Associate Professor CIS
o Gina Beam, Habitat for Humanity, Executive Director of Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity
o Tyra Hux, LISC, WNY Operations Director LISC NY

•Greg Coniglio, GISP, LaBella Associates, Data Intelligence Group Leader
•Ed Flynn, AICP, LaBella Associates, Senior Planner, Vice President
•Josh Greene, LaBella Associates, Planner
•Maria Dolce GISP, LaBella Associates, Senior GIS Specialist
•Jen Kern, LaBella Associates, GIS Specialist