State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

APPENDIX AREPORT FRAMING, POLICY ACTIONS& DATAFRAMEWORKThe State of Black Oregon 2015 report illustrates the status of Black Oregonians through data, analysis andstorytelling. To some, the statistics speak the loudest. To others, the stories and photography that lift up theface of Black Oregon are the most powerful. We believe it is the combination of these elements that helpus understand the experience of Black Oregonians and the factors that shape our community today. Theanalysis—offered by academic experts in national and state policy—ties the data and research to best practiceand offers a path toward a healthy, vibrant and engaged community, core to Oregon’s economic growth.The report is not organized in traditional policy “silos.” We have used a framework that looks at the entireindividual, family and community through three sections: Children & Youth, Adulthood and Community. Ithighlights how multiple systems, service agencies and policy intersect with employment, housing and povertyto create either opportunity or inequity for Black Oregonians in key stages of their lives.The framework assesses the current position of Black Oregonians and future prospects as job opportunitiesshift toward science, technology, engineering and math, healthcare, and a revitalized manufacturing industry.It has also guided our policy agenda. A holistic approach to policy and practice will produce greater resultsfor all of Oregon.ABOUT OUR POLICY ACTIONSOver the next five years, the Urban League of Portland will work with our partners to advance focused,economic justice strategies with measurable outcomes. The policy actions at end of each chapter representthe areas where we believe policymakers, the private sector and public service providers need to applytheir best thinking and implement change. These action areas are meant to serve as a guide for morecomprehensive policy approaches to economic justice and social change.THE DATAThis report sources the American Community Survey and U.S. Census for the majority of economic andhousing indicators. Portland State University’s Population Research Center assisted significantly with thisprocess. In this report, we used the U.S. Census Bureau’s race and ethnic group of “Black or African Americanalone or in combination with one or more other races” (BAOIC). With the changing demographics of Oregon,we feel this provides the most accurate picture of Black Oregon today. When we were not able to pull BAOICdata, we used data from the “Black or African American alone” race and ethinic group, which is noted with anasterisk. All data represents state figures unless otherwise noted (I.e. National, local).All tables, graphs and infographics sources are in the Appendix C data tables, unless directly sourced or endnoted. Our research team pulled the remaining data from state sources including-but not limited to-Oregon’sDepartment of Education, Department of Corrections, Health Authority and Department of Human Servicesunless noted. We worked closely with state agency partners to ensure the most updated state-level data.Please note that while the availability of quantitative data disaggregated by race and ethnicity has improved,it remains limited, especially on a state and local level. We have tried to complement missing state datawith national sources, supporting research and community survey studies. We will continue to advocate forimproved data systems that regularly collect race and ethnicity data.173