Our Normative Assumptions when Analyzing Markets:

• Public subsidy is scarce and it alone cannot create a market;

• Public subsidy must be used to leverage, or clear the path for, private investment;

• In distressed markets, invest into strength (e.g., major institutions, transportation hubs, environmental amenities) – “Build from Strength”;

• All parts of a city are customers of the services and resources that it has to offer;

• Decisions to invest and/or deploy governmental programs must be based on objectively gathered data and sound quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Preparing the MVA:

1. Take all of the data layers and geocode to Census block groups.

2. Inspect and validate those data layers.

3. Using a statistical cluster analysis, identify areas that share a common constellation of characteristics.

4. Map the result.

5. Visually inspect areas of the City for conformity with the statistical/spatial representation.

6. Re-solve and re-inspect until we achieve an accurate representation.