Definitions of Terms, Data Definitions, Map Definitions

A-G

55 Community Statistical Areas (CSA). Clusters of Baltimore neighborhoods have been created along census tract boundaries to form 55 CSA's. This clustering was necessary for the creation of statistical areas since most of the 270+ neighborhoods in Baltimore City do not have boundaries that fall along census tracts.

This clustering represents the work of the Baltimore City Planning Department and the Family League of Baltimore City, for use by the Baltimore City Data Collaborative, and now BNIA. These boundaries are not to be confused with the neighborhood boundaries defined by the Baltimore City Planning Department or by the neighborhoods themselves. They are used for statistical display of data only.

Abandoned vehicles, indicents of. Reports of the incident can come from either a resident, the mayor's office, a city council office, a city crew worker or inspector, and entered into the CitiTrack system. The indicator does not reflect amount of calls or reports about that incident. There may be numerous calls or reports about the same problem, but it is considered one incident (similar to how criminal offenses are recorded). A neighborhood could be very active and report more incidents of abandoned vehicles more often than others, although they may not have as big a problem with this issue as in other areas. Data Source: CitiStat.

Abate. To put an end to (a nuisance), or to reduce the degree or intensity of a problem or situation.

Abuse and Neglect. See Child Abuse and Neglect.

Age. The U.S. Census provides the data on the age of the population. Age breakdowns are in roughly increments of 10 years.

Aggravated Assault. A type of criminal offense where someone attacks another person with the purpose of inflicting harm or injury. The crimes classified as Aggravated Assaults include assaults with guns, knives, or other weapons, including fists. Threats are also considered assaults. Attempted murders and non-fatal shootings fall in this category as well. Aggravated Assaults are classified as Part I crimes by the Baltimore City Police Department, and are considered violent crimes. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Aggregation. The level at which the data of the same type are gathered or grouped together. For instance, specific address data can be grouped together to be displayed in blocks, census tracts, etc.

Analysis. The process of identifying a question or issue to be addressed, investigating multiple possible solutions, interpreting the results of that investigation, and possibly making a recommendation.

Average. The result obtained by dividing the sum total of a set or group of numbers by the total number in that group. Use caution when using this type of calculation, as high numbers in a set or very low numbers in the set skew the average number and distort the picture of what the indicator is supposed to express.

Axiomap. BNIA’s interactive mapping tool uses an innovative yet still young technology called Axiomap. It provides a user-friendly avenue for the creation and publication of interactive maps that is used and displayed on the Internet. Axiomap is a simpler form of GIS. Axiomap (Application of XML for Interactive Online Mapping) is based on the success of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and Vector Markup Language (VML). This technology was developed by ELZA Research in San Diego.

Baseline. The average rate or level of some variable at a point in time. It is generally understood that the baseline is the "before" measure that will then be used for comparison. Thus, the baseline is the measure prior to an intervention or strategy, and can be used as the starting point for tracking a trend.

Base map. A map containing geographic features used for locational reference. Roads and properties, for example, are commonly found on base maps.

Benchmark. A point of reference or a standard against which measurements can be compared.

Births delivered with satisfactory birth wieght. Satisfactory birth weight is 2500 grams (5 1/2 pounds) or more, usually indicating a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. These data are usually expressed as a negative (i.e., low birth weight births) indicating problems with pregnancy or other factors related to unhealthy babies. Data Source: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and the Data Collaborative.

Births delivered at full term. Data reflect babies who were delivered at term (37-42 weeks gestation). These data are usually expressed as a negative (i.e., babies born prematurely) indicating problems with pregnancy or other factors related to babies born too early, and therefore are potentially unhealthy. Data Source: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and the Data Collaborative.

Births to mothers who received pre-natal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pre-natal care is a preventive measure since it helps to ensure mother has a healthy pregnancy and babies are born healthy. Variable is usually expressed as a negative (i.e., percent of mothers not receiving pre-natal care). Data Source: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and the Data Collaborative.

Births to Teens. Data reflect the number of babies born to teens ages 10-17. Studies over the years show teen births are a factor in the health of children and also tell whether that new family is more or less likely to be economically stable. Data Source: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and the Data Collaborative.

Buffer. A zone of a specified distance around an area or point on a map. Sometimes these zones overlap and therefore create the buffer clusters. Buffer clusters are for visual display only.

Burglary. Burglary is one type of theft tracked by the Baltimore City Police Department. A Burglary is defined as the act of breaking and entering a commercial, industrial or residential structure to commit a theft. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Businesses in Baltimore City. Concentrations of businesses in Baltimore City is only available zip code from the Dun and Bradstreet (now called D&B) database.

Census. The Decennial Census is the census (or complete enumeration) of population and housing, taken in each year ending in zero. Article 1, section 2 of the Constitution requires that a census be taken every 10 years for the purpose of apportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. The first census of population was taken in 1790. The Census Bureau first conducted the census of housing in 1940.

Census tract. A small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county or statistically equivalent entity (Like Baltimore City) delineated for statistical data presentation purposes. Census tracts generally contain between 2,500 and 8,000 people, with an optimum size of 4,000 people. Census tracts vary in actual size because they are based on the number of people in the area, not the number of miles. Census tract boundaries are delineated with the intention of being stable over many decades, so they generally follow relatively permanent visible features. However, census tract boundaries always follow governmental unit boundaries: the boundary of a state or county (and Baltimore City) is always a census tract boundary. Census tracts do not cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Census block. The smallest geographic entity for which the Census Bureau tabulates census data.

Census block group. A cluster of census blocks generally containing 300 to 3,000 people, with an optimum size of 1,500.

CHAP designated buildings: The Commission on Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) designates buildings, landmarks and districts as local historic areas after an extensive review process. CHAP designation occurs when residents petition for such designation to begin the review process. CHAP designation does not mean the property is automatically on the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings designated as historic have very specific guidelines for rehab and restrictions on demolition and design in order to preserve the architectural integrity of the area. Monuments and landmarks are not included here. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.

Child Abuse and Neglect. Child abuse and neglect is calculated as the reported physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of a child aged 0-17. The Department of Social Services receives reports of these incidents from schools, doctors, neighbors and the children themselves. The reports are considered substantiated when they are investigated and become a case assigned to a case manager, and action is taken. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Social Services, provided by the Data Collaborative

Children. The term "children," as used in tables on living arrangements of children under 18, are all persons under 18 years, excluding people who maintain households, families, or subfamilies as a reference person or spouse.

Own children in a family are sons and daughters, including stepchildren and adopted children, of the householder. Similarly, "own" children in a subfamily are sons and daughters of the married couple or parent in the subfamily. (All children shown as members of related subfamilies are own children of the person(s) maintaining the subfamily.) For each type of family unit, the count of "own children under 18 years old" is limited to never-married children; however, "own children under 25" and "own children of any age," as the terms are used here, include all children regardless of marital status. The counts include never-married children living away from home in college dormitories.

Related children in a family include own children and all other children under 18 years old in the household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. The count of related children in families was formerly restricted to never-married children. However, beginning with data for 1968 the Bureau of the Census includes ever-married children under the category of related children. This change added approximately 20,000 children to the category of related children in March 1968.

Clogged Storm Drains, indicents of. Reports of the incident can come from either a resident, the mayor's office, a city council office, a city crew worker or inspector, and entered into the CitiTrack system. The indicator does not reflect amount of calls or reports about that incident. There may be numerous calls or reports about the same problem, but it is considered one incident (similar to how criminal offenses are recorded). A neighborhood could be very active and report more incidents of clogged storm drains more often than others, although they may not have as big a problem with this issue as in other areas. Data Source: CitiStat.

Commercial rehab investment. Data come from the building permits filed for construction with costs estimated above $5,000 issued a particular year.One building permit is issued per property.Total value of the investment is not used as the indicator because it does not show the actual number of houses receiving an investment, a better indicator of rehab investment activity and people continuing their interest and confidence in the area. (e.g., there could be just one investment with a huge amount but there is not a lot of activity). Demolition permits are removed from original permit data for this analysis. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.

Community Development Corporations in Baltimore City. Community Development Corporations are non-profit organizations that work to revitalize and rebuild a number of neighborhoods in a defined geographic area.Baltimore's CDCs focus on housing production, economic development, and job creation. Other community development activities they may do include housing education programs for new homebuyers, marketing neighborhoods, working with banks and lenders, community organizing, and more. Data Source: Maryland Center for Community Development and the Neighborhood Association Community Directory maintained by the Baltimore City Planning Department.

Confidentiality. The situation where data items are collected knowing the identity of the persons studied, but the researcher agrees not to reveal those identities. Many laws exist to protect the confidentiality of the data. Aggregating statistics to a certain level above the address level is one way avoid violation of these laws.

Construction Investment, Commercial and residential. The estimated cost of an improvement on a housing unit or commercial building. This includes costs of rehabilitation and additions, and costs of constructing new buildings. This amount is entered on the building permit that a contractor who is performing the work must complete. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.

Crime, Part I. Part I or major criminal offenses include murder, aggravated assaults, rape/attempted rape, robberies, burglaries, larcenies and auto thefts according to Baltimore City Police and the Maryland Criminal Code. Data reflect where the crime took place, not where the criminal lives. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department

D&B (formerly Dun and Bradstreet). D&B is a private company that gathers, packages, and distributes business information worldwide. D&B generated data regarding the number of businesses, types of businesses, number of employees, and total sales in Baltimore City are available by zip code to BNIA through the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). Common users of this kind of information claim that D&B data are only approximately 80% correct. Some Baltimore businesses have initiated the collection of these data items themselves in order to create a more accurate record.

Data. The purest definition of data is "information collected". Data are often thought of as statistical or quantitative, but they may take other forms-such as transcripts of interviews or videotapes of social interactions. Data are often coded-or quantified-to make them easier to analyze. Data then becomes statistical evidence from which conclusions can be inferred.

Database. A collection of interrelated information managed and stored as a unit on a disk or hard drive.

Data dictionary. A catalog of all data held in a database, or a list of items giving data names and structures.

Data Inventory. The list of data items that BNIA currently has or is expecting. The Inventory also lists the years when the data were collected, the lowest level of aggregation, the source, and the source’s website information.

Data set. A collection of related data items.

Days on the market. A property is “on the market” when the property is listed as for sale in real estate listings. Once a contract is in place, approximately 30-60 days before the sale, the property is placed “off the market”. The number of days in between is the days on the market. Data Source: Maryland Regional Information System.

Demographics.  The statistical characteristics of human populations, such as race, age, and income.

Demographic. Anything relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density and capacity for expansion or decline.  Race, age, and income are types of demographic information.

Demography.  The statistical study of human populations, particularly the size and density, distribution, and vital statistics

Density.  The average number of individuals or units per space.  For example, there is a population density of 500 people per square mile in some cities, or a housing density of 10 houses per acre in the suburbs. 

Directory. A computer term identifying a location on a disk containing a set of data files and other directories (subdirectories). Operating systems use directories to organize data. The location of a directory is specified with a pathname.

Dirty Streets and Alleys, indicents of. Reports of the incident can come from either a resident, the mayor's office, a city council office, a city crew worker or inspector, and entered into the CitiTrack system. The indicator does not reflect amount of calls or reports about that incident. There may be numerous calls or reports about the same problem, but it is considered one incident (similar to how criminal offenses are recorded). A neighborhood could be very active and report more incidents of dirty streets and alleys more often than others, although they may not have as big a problem with this issue as in other areas. Data Source: CitiStat.

Disclaimer. A statement used to exclude a business or entity from liability. In cases regarding data, disclaimers are often used to express to the user that not all the data may be reliable and accurate, and that the provider of the data is not responsible for any misuse of the data or any related actions.

District Maps The “District” level maps are the 9 police districts defined by the City of Baltimore. The districts are used to help display detailed data in specific neighborhoods. There is no data about these districts, and should not be confused with neighborhoods, blocks, or any other level of aggregation.

Domestic Violence Domestic violence is determined by the calls to 911 regarding a domestic dispute. Once police determine an actual crime has been committed, the incident is classified under one of the criminal offences classifications (see Crime). Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department

Drug treatment, people served by. The number of people who enter some type of drug treatment including methadone, in-patient, and outpatient services, is currently the best way to measure drug addition. No Current data are available to more accurately understand the number of people actually addicted. Many are not seeking help, and therefore are unreported. In addition, drug treatment centers are not required to report the number on waiting lists, and therefore the number is not available. The typical statistic of 60,000 addicts comes from estimates that Maryland's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (ADAA) calculation conducted for 1997and 1998. Data comes from the Baltimore Substance Abuse System and reflect where the clients live. Data are shown by Zip code to protect client's confidentiality. Although several Zip codes span across Baltimore City and Baltimore County boundaries, these data apply only to people living in Baltimore City. Data Source: Baltimore City Substance Abuse Systems

Economic Diversity Index. This Index measures the percent chance that two households picked at random will earn median household income in a different income range. The Index measures the probability, or odds, that the household median income of two households chosen at random will be in different median income range groups. The higher the percent, the greater the diversity. The Index is calculated using the percent of households in each median income range. Then the probabilities are multiplied together. Index does not reflect which income range is predominant in the area. Economic Diversity Index is similar to the Racial Diversity Index. The USA Today Diversity Index was adapted for by the Maryland Department of Planning-State Data Center to measure an area's economic diversity and was developed initially by Drs. Paul Overberg and El Haya Nasser from the University of Auburn, and appeared in 2001 in USA Today. Five median household income ranges used in this analysis: Less than $25,000; $25,000-39,999; $40,000-$59,999; $60,000-$74,999; $75,000 and higher. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000 provided by the Maryland Department of Planning-State Data Center.

Educational attainment U.S. Census calculates educational attainment as the highest grade of school a person has completed or the highest degree received. This applies only to regular schools such as graded public, private, and parochial elementary and high schools (both junior and senior high schools), colleges, universities, and professional schools, day schools or night schools. Schooling in other than regular schools was counted only if the credits obtained are regarded as transferable to a school in the regular school system. BNIA data includes persons that received high school diploma only and persons that have some college degree or above. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Elevated blood lead and Lead poisoning. Blood lead levels in children are considered elevated when the levels are greater than or equal to 10mg/dL, and lead poisoned with blood lead levels greater than or equal to 20mg/dL. Detection of either level in children triggers specific interventions, including inspection of home, and treatment of the child. Data is available by zip code only from the Baltimore City Health Department. Although several Zip codes span across Baltimore City and Baltimore County boundaries, these data apply only to children living in Baltimore City. Data Source: Maryland State Department of the Environment

Empowerment Zone boundaries in Baltimore City. The Baltimore Empowerment Zone is an area designated by President Clinton in 1994 to receive $100 million to aid in sustainable redevelopment for local communities and residents by mixing federal seed money and business tax benefits with local public and private investments, all guided by a locally developed and managed strategy. The Baltimore Empowerment Zone extends over 6.8 square miles, covering three separate areas of east, west, and south Baltimore. It contains over 70,000 people and 2,000 businesses. The mission of the Empowerment Zone is “To foster sustained economic opportunities within the Empowerment Zone and to build communities in ways that give Empowerment Zone residents greater access to and readiness for those opportunities.” Data Source: Empower Baltimore Management Corporation

Employed. All civilians 16 years old and over who were either (1) "at work" --those who did any work at all during the reference week as paid employees, worked in their own business or profession, worked on their own farm, or worked 15 hours or more as unpaid workers on a family farm or in a family business; or (2) were "with a job but not at work"--those who did not work during the reference week but had jobs or businesses from which they were temporarily absent due to illness, bad weather, industrial dispute, vacation, or other personal reasons. Excluded from the employed are people whose only activity consisted of work around the house or unpaid volunteer work for religious, charitable, and similar organizations; also excluded are people on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Evictions. Rental evictions are those where landlords have filed for eviction through the courts, claiming the tenant has not paid the rent, and the courts accept. The actual eviction is the last step in the process where the sheriff is notified to perform the eviction. The sheriff is obligated to contact the Bureau of Sanitation to clean up the items left by the tenant and thrown into the street by the sheriff. Evictions due to foreclosure are not included here. Foreclosure evictions are where the tenants must leave when a change in ownership of the building due to foreclosure, and usually no sheriff is needed to enforce these. Data Source: Bureau of Sanitation and provided by Citistat.

Fair market value. The value at which buyers and sellers are willing to do business.

Family. A family is a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family. Beginning with the 1980 Current Population Survey, unrelated subfamilies (referred to in the past as secondary families) are no longer included in the count of families, nor are the members of unrelated subfamilies included in the count of family members. The number of families is equal to the number of family households; however, the count of family members differs from the count of family household members because family household members include any non-relatives living in the household. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Family group. A family group is any two or more people (not necessarily including a householder) residing together, and related by birth, marriage, or adoption. A household may be composed of one such group, more than one, or none at all. The count of family groups includes family households, related subfamilies, and unrelated subfamilies.

Family household. A family household is a household maintained by a householder who is in a family (as defined above), and includes any unrelated people (unrelated subfamily members and/or secondary individuals) who may be residing there. The number of family households is equal to the number of families. The count of family household members differs from the count of family members, however, in that the family household members include all people living in the household, whereas family members include only the householder and his/her relatives.

Family Supporting Wage Standard. Amount of income needed for families of various types (one parent with two children, two parents with two children, etc.) to meet the costs of sustaining that family. Costs factored in include health care, day care, transportation, food, etc. The wage levels used for the Standard are not meant as entry-level wages, but wages that should be available as skills and careers enhance. For instance, a married couple with one toddler and one infant should earn $48,384 without income supports in order to meet the needs of the family. A single head of household family with one toddler and one infant should earn $40,284 without income supports in order to meet the needs of the family. Concept first introduced for eight states by the organizations of Wider Opportunities for Women, Maryland Advocates for Children and Youth. Earnings by family type, needed to understand how many families earn below the Standard, is not made public by the U.S. Census. However, BNIA requested, paid for, and received aggregates of these data via the Census Special Tabulations process. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Field. In a database, the name of a column containing data.

Foreclosures (Mortgage). If a property owner neglects to pay the mortgage over a series of months, the mortgage lending company has the right to end the mortgage and foreclose on the property. Data are from the Circuit Court, which is the last step in the process to foreclose on a property. These foreclosures are different from tax sale foreclosures which reflect the City taking a property to auction that is abandoned by a landlord and containing multiple liens. Data Source: Baltimore City Circut Court

Geographic Data. Information that pertains to a specific point or area on a surface of the globe; for example streets, census tracts, neighborhoods, zip codes, etc. Maps allow users to see a variety of information about a geographic area.

Geographic Information System. (GIS). An organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display a number of data items on maps.

Government Buildings in Baltimore City. Data set that includes all buildings where governmental offices are located. The data set includes City Hall, other city agency buildings, state, and federal buildings. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS

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H-M

Hazardous Waste Sites. Locations that have or had controlled hazardous substances at some point in time. Materials that have characteristics of hazardous waste are possibly ignitable, explosive, or leaching into the ground water. These sites are listed on the State Master List of hazardous waste sites (and commonly referred to as Superfund Sites). Sites are placed on this list after a complaint to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is investigated and found to have or had at one time hazardous waste. The sites are then designated into three categories based on the degree to which they need to be clean-up:

NPL (National Priorities List). The site is a high priority for the EPA to address.
NFRAP (No Further Remedial Action Planned) These sites have had some sort of clean-up action, or that the EPA has decided to defer that action to a later time.
UI (Under Investigation) These sites have been investigated, shown to have hazardous substances, but MDE decided that no action is needed at this time.

Health Organizations. Public health clinics located in communities that provide a variety of services for children, youth, and families are considered Health Organizations. These are different from Hospitals. Data Source:Baltimore City GIS and the Baltimore City Data Collaborative.

Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative. The Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (HNI) is a program initiated by Mayor O’Malley and managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation. The program focuses on strengthening the housing market and ensuring stability of the target area. The program currently operates in the following neighborhoods: Belair-Edison, Garwyn Oaks, Midtown, Southern Mondawmin, Patterson Park, Ednor Gardens, and Reservoir Hill. Groups implementing the HNI project focus on a three to four block area. Resources are available for each neighborhood to offer rehab loans to current residents and home buyers, as well as engage in community building and neighborhood marketing activities. Data Source: BNIA and Baltimore City Community Foundation.

Head Start. Head Start programs offer a range of services to children under 5 years old and their families who are in need. Families within the programs often have high level of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and receive cash assistance. The activities of each Head Start center or home based service support the healthy physical, emotional, and social development of infants, toddlers, and families. Services include early child development and childcare, access to healthcare, emotional and social support. Early head start programs focus on children age 0-3. Head Start services focus on preschool aged children. The Head Start Centers are included in the Family Support Strategy initiated by the Family League of Baltimore and the Safe and Sound Campaign. Data Source: Baltimore City Data Collaborative/Family League of Baltimore City

Historic Buildings (local): See CHAP buildings

Hospitals. The hospitals included in this data set are the public and private hospitals in Baltimore City. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS

Homicide. See Murder

Household. A household consists of all the people who occupy a housing unit. A house, an apartment or other group of rooms, or a single room, is regarded as a housing unit when it is occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters; that is, when the occupants do not live and eat with any other persons in the structure and there is direct access from the outside or through a common hall. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the housing unit. A person living alone in a housing unit, or a group of unrelated people sharing a housing unit such as partners or roomers, is also counted as a household. The count of households excludes group quarters. There are two major categories of households, "family" and "non-family".

Family or subfamily Household size. The term "size of household" includes all the people occupying a housing unit. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Family size includes the family householder and all other people in the living quarters that are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption.

Related subfamily size includes the husband and wife or the lone parent and their never- married sons and daughters under 18 years of age.

Unrelated subfamily size includes the reference person and all other members related to the reference person. If a family has a related subfamily among its members, the size of the family includes the members of the related subfamily.

Non-Family Household. A non-family household consists of a householder living alone (a one-person household) or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom he/she is not related.

Householder. The householder refers to the person (or one of the people) in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented (maintained) or, if there is no such person, any adult member, excluding roomers, borders, or paid employees. If the house is owned or rented jointly by a married couple, the householder may be either the husband or the wife. Also, the number of family householders is equal to the number of families.

Housing Affordability This measures the percent of households paying more than 30 percent of their household income for housing costs, either rent or mortgage, in 2000. It is an Indicator of housing affordability. 30 percent of household income standard for housing affordability. People report on the Census long form how much of their income is dedicated for housing costs. People paying mortgages are separated from those paying rent because, in general, rental costs are higher as a percent of income. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000 provided by the Maryland State Department of Planning - State Data Center

Housing Unit. A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home or trailer; a group of rooms or a single room occupied as separate living quarters. The occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements. For vacant units, the criteria of separateness and direct access are applied to the intended occupants whenever possible. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Occupied Housing Unit. A housing unit is classified as occupied if it is the current place of residence of the person or group of persons living in it at the time of interview, or if the occupants are only temporarily absent from the residence for two months or less; that is, away on vacation or business. If all the persons staying in the unit at the time of the interview are staying there for two months or less, the unit is considered to be temporarily occupied, and classified as "vacant seasonal." A household includes all the persons who occupy a housing unit as their current place of residence.

Owner Occupied Housing Unit. A housing unit is owner occupied if the owner or co-owner lives in the unit even if it is mortgaged or not fully paid for. The unit is "Owned by you or someone in this household with a mortgage or loan" if it is being purchased with a mortgage or some other debt arrangement such as a deed of trust, trust deed, contract to purchase, land contract, or purchase agreement. The unit is also considered owned with a mortgage if it is built on leased land and there is a mortgage on the unit.

Renter Occupied housing unit. All occupied housing units, which are not owner occupied, whether they are rented for cash rent or occupied without payment of cash rent, are classified as renter occupied. Units occupied without payment of cash rent are generally provided free by friends or relatives or in exchange for services such as resident manager, caretaker, minister, or tenant farmer. Housing units on military bases also are included in this classification. "Renter-occupied" includes units in continuing care, sometimes called life care arrangements.

Vacant Housing Units (Census Definition). A housing unit is vacant if no one is living in it at the time of interview, unless its occupants are only temporarily absent for two months or less. Units occupied at the time of interview entirely by persons who are staying two months or less and who have a more permanent residence elsewhere are considered to be temporarily occupied, and are classified as "vacant seasonal". (NOTE: US Census calculates Vacancy differently than Baltimore City, see Vacant and Abandoned Properties.)

New units not yet occupied are classified as vacant housing units if construction has reached a point where all exterior windows and doors are installed and final usable floors are in place. Vacant units are excluded if they are open to the elements; that is, the roof, walls, windows, and/or doors no longer protect the interior from the elements, or if there is positive evidence (such as a sign on the house or in the block) that the unit is condemned or is to be demolished. Also excluded are quarters being used entirely for nonresidential purposes, such as a store or an office, or quarters used for the storage of business supplies or inventory, machinery, or agricultural products

Housing Violations. Violations are given to buildings on properties whose facade, structure, and surrounding area violate the Baltimore City Housing Code. Code violations are reported to the appropriate city agency whose inspectors verify the report and file a Notice. Once the problem has been addressed, the notice is closed. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development

Vacant and abandoned properties A property is considered Vacant if it is unlivable, usually indicated with boards on windows and doors, or windows and doors broken, or the property is otherwise open to the elements. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS and DEpartment of Housing and Community Development.

Unoccupied Properties. Properties are considered simply unoccupied if no one lives in them but they are livable. Unoccupied properties are not calculated in the city's vacancy data. (from the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development staff)

Icon. A graphic symbol on a computer display screen that suggests the purpose of an available function.

Illegal Dumping, indicents of. Reports of the incident can come from either a resident, the mayor's office, a city council office, a city crew worker or inspector, and entered into the CitiTrack system. The indicator does not reflect amount of calls or reports about that incident. There may be numerous calls or reports about the same problem, but it is considered one incident (similar to how criminal offenses are recorded). A neighborhood could be very active and report more incidents of illegal dumping more often than others, although they may not have as big a problem with this issue as in other areas. Data Source: CitiStat.

Income. The U.S. Census tabulates income on 4 separate levels: Individual Total Income, Earnings, Family Income, and Household income. Each is based on people who are 15 years or older who receive income.

Total Income for an individual. The income received by a person age 15 years old and over. There are 8 types of income that are included in this "total income" category: (1) wage or salary income, (2) non-farm self employment income, (3) farm employment only income, (4) interest, dividend or net rental or royalty income, (5) Social Security or railroad retirement income, (6) Retirement or disability income, (7) public assistance or welfare income, (8) all other income.

Earnings. Income actually earned from wages or salary, farm employment, or non-farm self-employment regularly received before the standard payroll deductions such as taxes, social security, dues, medicare, etc.

Household Income. Income for entire households includes the income (as defined above) of the householder and all other persons 15 years and over in the household, whether related to the householder or not.

Family Income. Income for families includes the total income of all members of the family who are 15 years or older living in one household. If one of those members was not living in the household at the time of the census count, but was there just prior to that time, the income of that person is not included. However, if a family member was not living in the household just prior to the census count, then did live in the household at the time of the count, the income of that person is counted.

Items not included in the income calculation: (1) money received from the sale of property (unless the person is in the business of selling property), (2) value of in kind money, such as food stamps, public housing benefits, (3) withdrawal of bank deposits, (4) money borrowed, (5) exchange of money between relatives living in the same household, (6) gifts and lump sum inheritances, (7) insurance payments, etc.

Mean (average) income.  The amount obtained by dividing the total aggregate income of a group by the number of units in that group. The mean income for households, families, and unrelated individuals are based on all households, families, and unrelated individuals, respectively.

Median income. The amount which divides the income distribution into two equal groups, half of the group will have incomes above the median, half of the group will have incomes below the median. The medians for households, families, and unrelated individuals are based on all households, families, and unrelated individuals, respectively. The medians for people are based on people 15 years old and over with income.

Per capita income. Per capita income is the average income computed for every man, woman, and child in a particular group. The Census Bureau derived per capita income by dividing the total income of a particular group by the total population in that group (excluding patients or inmates in institutional quarters).

Indicator. A measure that helps to quantify or express the achievement and progress towards an outcome or goal. The indicator is the statistic or measure that helps describe the social/physical condition. The indicator may be used to measure achievement or progress toward an outcome but in its purest definition it is the measure alone.

Internet. An international consortium of Wide Area Networks (WAN) which operate using a standard set of addresses allowing machine-to-machine connectivity on a global scale.

Juvenile Arrests. Data reflect juveniles age 10-17 arrested. Arrests are used as the measure, rather than actual crime, since juveniles who are caught committing a crime often do not get recorded in the juvenile system until the second or third arrest. Data reflect the place where the juvenile lives, not the place of arrest. Data excludes offenders waived to the adult system. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department

Juvenile Arrests, Drug Related Crime. Drug-related arrests include arrests for drug possession, sale, manufacture or abuse. All illegal drugs, including narcotics, marijuana, cocaine and alcohol, are included. Data does not reflect drug-related shootings or other offensesArrests are used as the measure, rather than actual crime, since juveniles who are caught committing a crime often do not get recorded in the juvenile system until the second or third arrest. Data reflect the place where the juvenile lives, not the place of arrest. Data excludes offenders waived to the adult system. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department

Juvenile Arrests, Violent Crime. Number of juveniles aged 10-17 the are arrested for committing violent crimes (like homicide, rape or physical assault, etc). Arrests are used as the measure, rather than actual crime, since juveniles who are caught committing a crime often do not get recorded in the juvenile system until the second or third arrest. Data reflect the place where the juvenile lives, not the place of arrest. Data excludes offenders waived to the adult system. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department

Labor Force. All people classified in the civilian labor force plus members of the U.S. Armed Forces (people on active duty with the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard). Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Not in Labor Force. All people 16 years old and over who are not employed, and are not actively looking for work or are not available for work. This category consists mainly of students, housewives, retired workers, seasonal workers interviewed in an off season who were not looking for work, institutionalized people, and people doing only incidental unpaid family work (less than 15 hours during the measuring week).

Labor Force Participation. A person is considered participating in the labor force if they are actively looking for work or are employed. Those not participating in the labor force may be either attending school or a training program, staying home to care for family members, or not have the skills to hold a job. Unemployment is calculated as the people participating in the workforce that cannot find a job. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also generate monthly and annual employment reports. Each month, 60,000 households across the nation are surveyed by phone to obtain employment and earnings status. Roughly, 25 percent of these households change every month. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Landmarks. Data sets include Stadiums, Government Buildings, Museums, Universities, Etc. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS and BNIA staff.

Larceny. Larceny is one type of theft tracked by the Baltimore City Police Department. A Larceny is defined as the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently (including the attempt to do so). Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Lead Poisoning. Children are considered to have Lead Poisoning if their blood lead level is equal to or greater than 20mg/dl. Children are considered to have "Elevated Blood Lead levels" or "Levels of Concern (according to the Centers for Disease Control) if their blood level is above 10mg/dl but below 20mg/dl. Lead Poisoning harms children developmentally, causing a variety of learning disabilities and brain disorders. The data comes to BNIA from the Maryland Department of the Environment Childhood Blood Lead 2000 report. Children ages 1 and 2 are now required to be tested for lead poisoning. Data Source: Maryland DEpartment of the Environment.

Legend. The reference area on a map that lists and explains the colors, symbols, line patterns, shadings, and annotation used on the map. The legend often includes the scale, origin, orientation, and other map information.

Light Rail Routes/Stations in Baltimore City. Data regarding the location, distance, and time between each Light Rail stop is available. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS

Libraries in Baltimore City. Libraries included in this data set are those operated and managed as part of the Enoch Pratt Free Library Branch system. Libraries recently closed are included. Community libraries and private libraries are not included. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS.

List Date of a property. The exact date that the property is placed on real estate lists indicating that it is available for sale.

List Price of a property. The list price is the desired sale price of a property on the exact list date. List price is determined using the property value, the value of the properties around the area, the amount of work still needed on the property, and relative profit for the owner.

Mainstreets Initiative Program. An initiative designed to revitalize Baltimore's neighborhood business districts. The project targets Seven Baltimore neighborhoods. It is supported through the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, in conjunction with the National Mainstreet Center of the National Historic Trust for Historic Preservation. The neighborhoods designated for this project in Baltimore are: BelAir-Edison, Hampden, Waverly, East Monument Street, Federal Hill, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington Village/Pigtown. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS and BNIA staff

Map. An abstract representation of the physical features of a portion of the Earth's surface. Maps display signs, symbols, and spatial relationships among the features.

Maternal and Child Health Index. This index tells us that mothers and infants are considered "more healthy" in areas with a positive score, and those that have a negative score are considered "less healthy" than the Baltimore City average. The index is a composite score using three variables: births delivered at term, births where mothers receive prenatal care and births delivered with satisfactory birth weight. The Maternal and Child Health Index was adapted from Maternal and Child Health Risk Index originally developed by the Baltimore City Data Collaborative that looks at the same variables but from a risk perspective (i.e. mothers not receiving prenatal care, babies born with low birthweight, premature births. Families are considered "more at risk" or "less at risk" in the Data Collaborative's analysis.) Data Source: Data Collaborative.

Measurement. A determination of the extent or dimension of something by a standard. Rates, percentages, numbers, etc are all measurements.

Median. The number that falls in the middle between the highest number and the lowest number in a series of numbers. The median is different than an average, which considers all the numbers in the calculation. With an average, high numbers in a set or very low numbers in the set skew the resulting number and distort the picture of what the indicator is supposed to express.

Median Household Income. The household income that falls in the middle between the highest household income and lowest household income. The median is different than average income, which considers all the income levels in the calculation. High income levels or very low income levels would skew the average number and distort the picture of what households may be earning.

Metadata. Data about data; descriptive statistical information about the elements of a set of data

Murder The willful killing of any person. Murder is considered a Part I crime by the Baltimore City Police Department and is also a violent crime. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Museums in Baltimore City. Major museums and cultural institutions in Baltimore City, including the Walters Art Gallery, Myerhoff Symphony Hall, The Lyric, and others are included here. Not all small art galleries or theatres are included. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS.

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N-R

Non-Emergency room visits. This is a proxy indicator that helps to reflect the number of families or individuals who lack health insurance. If a family is not insured, most do not seek primary care for smaller sicknesses or annual check-ups. Many of these families go to the emergency room, often after an illness is worse, because by law hospitals must treat people who come to the emergency room, and the state reimburses the hospital for treating those uninsured. Data come from HSCRC by Zip code of the person being served. Although several Zip codes span across Baltimore City and Baltimore County boundaries, these data apply only to people living in Baltimore City. Data Source: HSCRC provided by the Data Collaborative

Occupied Housing Unit. See U.S. Census definition under Housing Units (above)

Outcome. The desired change (overall result) in behavior or condition you hope to achieve - Examples: well-being for children, adults, families or communities, and/or the environment (e.g. children born healthy, children succeeding in school, economically sufficient families, clean environment).

Outcome Indicator: An indicator of the desired condition or result. Outcome Indicators (sometimes called outcome measures) are used to understand the progress toward the overall Outcome.

Owner Occupied Housing Unit. See U.S. Census definition under Housing Units (above)

Owner Occupied Housing Units. Indicator reflects the number of homeowners who are the principle residents of the home, out of all homeowners in the CSA. This measure assumes that the principle owner of the housing unit is the main resident. Data Source: Maryland Property View.

Overlay. To cover the surface of something with something else. In mapping terms, to cover a map with a set of data that is formatted into a map layer. Data for mapping purposes is converted onto a “map layer.” Map layers are placed over other map layers when mapping data.

Parcel level maps. Maps that display the outlines of street, property lines, blocks and more.

Parks in Baltimore City. The parks included in this data set are those public parks managed by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. Private parks, community gardens, and community initiated green spaces are not included. Data Source: Baltimore city GIS.

Parks maintenance, Indicidents of Basic parks maintenance includes bathroom cleaning, building and playground maintenance, grass cutting, and graffiti removal (addressed by Bureau of Parks and Recreation). Does not include incidents of illegal dumping, and other sanitation issues. The indicator does not reflect amount of calls about that incident. There may be numerous calls or reports about the same problem, but it is considered one incident (similar to how criminal offenses are recorded). Reports of the incident can come from either a resident, the mayor's office, a city council office, a city crew worker or inspector, and entered into the CitiTrack system. A neighborhood could be very active and report more need to maintain the parks more often although they may not have as big a problem as in other areas. Data from Citistat.

Percent. A given part of a whole, meaning that 100% of something is all of it. 50% of something is half of that whole.

Performance Indicator. An indicator used to gauge effectiveness of an agency or program service delivery. For example - a measure of how well an agency or program is providing a service to customers (e.g. citizens - police response time, staff turnover rate, percentage of customers served in their own language, percentage of clients off alcohol and drugs).

Per capita income. Per capita income is the average income computed for every man, woman, and child in a particular group. The Census Bureau derived per capita income by dividing the total income of a particular group by the total population in that group (excluding patients or inmates in institutional quarters).

Playgrounds in Baltimore City. Playgrounds on Baltimore City property, plus school grounds, are included in this GIS data. It is combined with Recreation Centers, and supplied through the Baltimore City GIS group from the Baltimore City Department of Parks and Recreation.

Police Stations This list only includes police Headquarters and the 9 district stations. Police substations are not included here. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS.

Poverty. If a family's total income is less than that of the poverty threshold, then that family, and every individual in it, is considered poor. The official poverty definition counts money income before taxes and does not include capital gains and noncash benefits (such as public housing, Medicaid, and food stamps). Poverty is not defined for people in military barracks, institutional group quarters, or for unrelated individuals under age 15 (such as foster children). They are excluded from the poverty calculation all together. Data Source: U.S. Census2000

Poverty Thresholds. If a family earns less than the designated poverty threshold for the size of that family, the family is considered poor. The thresholds are calculated every year by the U.S. Census.

Private Schools (non-public schools). Baltimore City has numerous private schools that are operated by faith and non-faith based organizations. The state laws require these private or nonpublic schools to hold a Certificate of Approval from the Maryland State Board of Education in order to operate. A nonpublic school that is operated by a church organization is not required to hold a Certificate of Approval. Such a school must, however, register with the State Department of Education before it begins to operate. Every nonpublic school in Maryland, therefore, must either be approved or registered as "church-exempt" with the State Department of Education. Data Source: Maryland Department of Education and BNIA staff.

Property Value. The total value of a property is the land value plus the value of the improvements (or the value of any building on the land). Value is determined by values of similar property in the area, as well as at fair market value (the value at which buyers and sellers are willing to do business). Property taxes are based on the full value of the property. Data Source: State Department of Assessment and Taxation.

Proxy. A temporary or substitute indicator. In some cases, data are not available to depict the indicator or concept desired. A proxy indicator is chosen as a way to explain the condition being described..

Public assistance (Temporary Cash Assistance).  Cash public assistance payments that low-income people receive, such as aid to families with dependent children (AFDC, ADC), temporary assistance to needy families (TANF), general assistance, and emergency assistance.

Qualitative data. Data that is non-numerical, or not easily reduced to numbers, collected for the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patterns of relationships. For instance, what people think about their own neighborhoods, or how neighbors feel about their neighborhood, is qualitative data.

Quantitative data. Numerical information that can be summarized in statistics for analysis purposes.

Race/Ethnicity, 2000 Census. In the 2000 census, people indicated they were of one race or two or more races.  If a person selected the two or more races, the person could select all races that applied to him/her.  Therefore the summary provides the same choices as in previous years, plus a breakdown of people who responded they were of more than one race.  The summary tables list the results thus:

         One Race:

            White

            African American or Black

            American Indian and Alaskan Native

            Asian

           Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander

Some Other Race

Two or More Races

Race alone or in combination of one or more:

White

            African American or Black

            American Indian and Alaskan Native

            Asian

            Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander

Some Other Race

            Hispanic or Latino and Race:

            Total Hispanic or Latino

            Mexican

            Puerto Rican

            Cuban

            Other Hispanic or Latino

            Not Hispanic or Latino

            Hispanic and White alone

Racial Diversity Index. This Index measures the percent chance that two people picked at random will be of a different race/ethnicity. The higher the percent, the more diverse an area. It is calculated using the probability that any two people in a given area are white, black, Asian, American Indian or Native Hawaiian, etc. Then the probability that any two people are Hispanic or non-Hispanic is calculated. The racial and ethnic probabilities are then multiplied together. U.S. Census 2000 population data is used at the census tract level, and then aggregated to the CSA level for this index. This number does not reflect which race is the predominant in a CSA. The USA Today Diversity Index, created in 1991, was adapted for BNIA by the Baltimore City Planning Department and measures the racial and ethnic diversity of a population. It was developed initially by Drs. Paul Overberg and El Haya Nasser from the university of Auburn, and appeared in 2001 in USA Today. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000 provided by the Baltimore City Department of Planning

Rape. Rape is one type of crime tracked by the Baltimore City Police Department. A Rape is defined as crime of forcing another person to submit to sex acts, especially sexual intercourse. Attempted rape and statutory rape are included as well. Rape is a Part I crime, and is considered a violent crime as well. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Rate. A calculation of the amount or degree of something in relation to units of something else. For example, the crime rate is calculated as the number of crimes reported in an area, divided by the number of residents in the area, and is usually expressed as a percent. So lets say there were 16 reported crimes committed in a neighborhood of 3,000 people. Therefore the crime rate is 5%.

Rats, indicents of. Reports of the incident can come from either a resident, the mayor's office, a city council office, a city crew worker or inspector, and entered into the CitiTrack system. The indicator does not reflect amount of calls or reports about that incident. There may be numerous calls or reports about the same problem, but it is considered one incident (similar to how criminal offenses are recorded). A neighborhood could be very active and report more incidents of rats more often than others, although they may not have as big a problem with this issue as in other areas. Data Source: CitiStat.

Retail Trade sector. Businesses in Baltimore City classified as being in the retail trade sector. This classification includes businesses where items are sold such as building materials, garden suppies, merchandise and food items, clothing and accessories, and eating establishments. Data Source: D&B provided by the Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore.

Recreation Centers in Baltimore City. The data include the recreation centers that are owned and operated by Baltimore City Department of Parks and Recreation. Some are operated by independent non-profit organizations. Playgrounds are also included here. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS.

Religious Organizations in Baltimore City. Baltimore City has over 700 religious organizations and institutions, including churches, mosques, synagogues, and others. The locations of these organizations can be found on the District level maps only. Data Source: Baltmore City GIS

Renter Occupied Housing Unit. See U.S. Census definition under Housing Units (above)

Residential Rehab Investment Activity Residential properties where investment in home improvements, rehabilitation, and maintenance to exterior and interior took place. Data come from the building permits filed for construction with costs estimated above $5,000 issued in a particular year.One building permit is issued per property. Total value of the investment is not used as the indicator because it does not show the actual number of houses receiving an investment, a better indicator of rehab investment activity and people continuing their interest and confidence in the area (e.g. There could be just one investment totaling a large amount but there is not a lot of activity). The property is listed as a residential property using land-use codes from Maryland Property View. Demolition permits are removed from original permit data for this analysis. Data on building permits for work below $5,000 are not reliable and therefore not used in this analysis. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.

Robbery. Robbery is one type of theft tracked by the Baltimore City Police Department. A Robbery is defined as taking anything of value from any person by force, threat of force, or violence. Robberies are considered Part I crimes. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department

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S-Z

Schools in Baltimore City Schools included in this data set are those elementary, middle, high schools, and special schools in the Baltimore City Public School system. Private schools are not included. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS, Baltimore City Data Collaborative, and the Maryland State Department of Education website.

Senior Citizen Centers . Senior Citizen Centers located throughout Baltimore City offer a wide range of services and programs which help meet the social, physical and intellectual needs of older adults. Activities include informal classes, trips, crafts, fitness and educational programs, special events and social environments. The list of centers is provided by the Senior Citizens Division of the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, and only included centers managed by Baltimore City. Other Senior Citizen Centers that are privately owned, or part of another institution, are not included here. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS

Social Security. A type of income that includes social security pensions and survivors' benefits and permanent disability insurance payments made by the Social Security Administration prior to deductions for medical insurance. The Census Bureau does not include Medicare reimbursements for health services as social security benefits. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Spatial data. Information about the location and shape of, and relationships among, geographic features, usually stored as coordinates and topology.

Stadiums in Baltimore City. Stadiums include Memorial Stadium, Camden Yards, Ravens Stadium, Baltimore Arena, and the stadiums in college and high school campuses.

Static Map. A map that is non-interactive.

Statistics. Numerical summaries of data.

Descriptive statistics are procedures for summarizing, organizing, graphing, and, in general, describing quantitative information.

Inferential statistics are statistical techniques that allow you to draw conclusions from the data.

Stolen Auto. Theft or attempted theft of car, truck or other motor vehicle. Stolen Autos are considered Part I crimes. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Subway Routes/Stations in Baltimore City. Data regarding the location, distance, and time between each Subway stop is available. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS

Successful small businesses. Small Businesses that are successful are those with 50 employees or less and are in business more than four years. Data are in Zip code form Some Zip codes span across Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Data for these indicators include the areas in the Zip code that are outside of the Baltimore City boundaries. Data Source: D&B provided by the Jacob France Institute

SVG Plug-in for Netscape. An SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) "plug-in" is needed to view the Netscape version of the BNIA interactive maps.

Symbol. A graphic pattern used to represent a feature (like a building, a park, etc).

Table. A set of data elements that has a horizontal dimension (rows) and a vertical dimension (columns).

Teen Births. See Births to Teens

Thefts. All Burglaries, Larcenies, and Robberies are considered Thefts.

Transportation mode choice U.S. Census provides data on the people who choose other modes of transportation other than a personal vehicle (i.e. car) to get to work. Alternatives include bikes, public transit, walking, etc. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000.

Trend. A direction demonstrated through observation of data over time. For example, the violent crime rate has decreased over the past few years. Let’s hope this trend continues.

Trend analysis or time series analysis. Tracks a variable over time and uses statistical techniques to determine whether any changes in the variable are occurring by chance or because of an intervention. The time series analysis adjusts the trend line to account for seasonal changes and other influences.

Umbrella Organizations in Baltimore City. “Umbrella” organizations are community-based organizations that work with and support the organizations, associations, and initiatives in multiple neighborhoods. Each umbrella organization’s boundaries encapsulate at least 5 neighborhoods. Some Umbrella organizations boundaries include over 40 neighborhoods. There are at least 35 umbrella organizations, as designated in the Baltimore city Community Directory and lists from the Citizens Planning and Housing Association (CPHA) in Baltimore City. Data Source: Baltimore City Department of Planning and BNIA staff.

Unemployed. All civilians 16 years old and over are classified as unemployed if they (1) were neither "at work" nor "with a job but not at work" during the reference week, and (2) were looking for work during the last 4 weeks, and (3) were available to accept a job. Also included as unemployed are civilians who did not work at all during the reference week, were waiting to be called back to a job from which they had been laid off, and were available for work except for temporary illness.

Unemployment Rate. The indicator reflects the working age population that participate in the labor force, but are not employed. They are job ready and willing to continue looking for work. New indicator to differentiate between the others. Caution: The annual and monthly unemployment rate comes from surveys conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly and annually to ascertain employment information. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000.

Universities in Baltimore City. Major public and private universities in Baltimore City are included in this set of data. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS

Vacant Housing Units. See U.S. Census definition under Housing Units (above)

Vacant and Abandoned Properties. A property is considered vacant if it is boarded, or if it is unboarded and the conditions are unlivable, or if there are ways to enter the property other than the front door. A property is considered simply unoccupied if it livable and uninhabited. Unoccupied properties are not calculated in the city’s vacancy data.

Vacant properties are tracked using the city’s Open Notice file. A violation notice is attributed to a property and considered Open until the matter settles in court and the landlord takes responsibility for the house, the house is rehabbed and sold to new owners, or it is demolished.(NOTE: US Census calculates Vacancy differently than Baltimore City. Data Source: Baltimore City GIS and Department of Housing and Community Development

Village Centers, Empowerment Zone Six Village Centers were established within Baltimore’s Empowerment Zone. These community-based organizations bring a broad cross section of existing organizations into a coordinated entity to provide oversight and implement selected strategies to achieve the goals for the Empowerment Zone in each location. The Village Centers include: East Harbor Village Center, HEBCAC Village Center, Washington/Pigtown Village Center, Village Center of Poppleton, and Harlem Park/Lafayette Square Village Center. BNIA staff created the GIS data for the locations and boundaries of the Village Centers. Data Source: Empower Baltimore Management Corporation

Violent Crime. Violent crime includes murders, rape, aggravated assaults, and robberies by the Baltimore City Police Department and the Maryland Criminal Code. It is a type of Part I crime. Data Source: Baltimore City Police Department.

Voter Participation. Data reflect the number of people ages 18 and over who voted in the general election.Voting participation is a standard proxy indicator for measuring involvement in civic and community life. This is a weak proxy to reflect involvement in civic and community activities · Accurate data involvement in community improvement work do not currently exist. Data Source: Baltimore City Board of Elections

Voter Registration. Data reflect the number of people ages 18 and over who registered to vote Voting participation is a standard proxy indicator for measuring involvement in civic and community life. This is a weak proxy to reflect involvement in civic and community activities · Accurate data involvement in community improvement work do not currently exist. Data Source: Baltimore City Board of Elections

Worker. This term appears in connection with several subjects: employment status, journey-to-work items, class of worker, weeks worked in the past 12 months, and number of workers in family in the past 12 months. The meaning varies and, therefore, should be determined in each case by referring to the definition of the subject in which it appears. Data Source: U.S. Census 2000

Workers' compensation includes payments people receive periodically from public or private insurance companies for injuries received at work.

ZIP Code area. The addresses served by a 5-digit Zip code established by the U.S. Postal Service to expedite the delivery of mail. Most Zip codeboundaries do not necessarily follow clearly identifiable visible map features.

Zoom. To enlarge and display in greater detail a portion of a map.

Glossary adapted from:

• The Community Indicators Handbook, Redefining Progress, 1997
• The Practice of Social Research, Earl Babbie, sixth edition, 1992
• Assistance from Tracey Rutnik, director of Evaluation at the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
• US Census website for definitions of census data
• BNIA data partners for definitions of the data provided
• BNIA data partners and other local, state, or US data providers for definitions of the data provided
• Mapping Your Community, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1997
• ESRI website for mapping terms
• State Department of Assessment and Taxation for housing definitions
• Webster English on-line dictionary
• Encarta Encyclopedia