Decaturs Tri-Annual Neighborhood Condition Survey

Presentation Type: Presentation (30 minutes)

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Intended Audience: GIS User, GIS Builder, Student, Management

Abstract

Beginning in 2019, the City of Decatur has conducted an in-house survey of the condition of its urban core neighborhoods. In 2025, the third such survey was conducted. This survey has been a crucial decision-making tool for City management and elected officials. It is also used to inform the public about progress towards neighborhood revitalization. GIS is used to collect, analyze, and report on the data. This session will discuss the important role GIS plays in this survey, including the specific tools used, how the survey was collected and monitored. This session will highlight an important, though often overlooked, use of GIS in local government: supporting community revitalization.

Presenter(s)

Seth Stark

Chief Data Officer, City of Decatur, IL

Seth Stark is the Chief Data Officer for the City of Decatur, IL. He has over 25 years of experience solving problems using GIS in both the public and private sector. He has a Master’s degree from Biola University and a BA from Sacramento State University. He enjoys traveling with his wife and has been to 4 continents with the goal of visiting all 7 in his lifetime.