Overview: Urbata got started as a Project KCUMA (Kansas City Urban Market Assets) is a public-private partnership between UMKC, the City of Kansas City MO, npt Labs, development councils, community development corporations and Social Compact to stimulate investment and provide better asset data for the urban core.

Using 30+data sources, Urbata captures daytime workers, immigrants, population influx from new development (like lofts) and the cash economy. Built on top of the DrillDown process pioneered by Social Compact, Urbata enables Kansas City urban economic development professionals find up-to-date information fast about the urban core.

Why: Numbers are critical. Accurate market information is key to economic development, business planning, loan decisions and government funding. Yet, the Census heavily undercounts urban core areas hindering our city’s competitive edge for retail, economic development and funding.

Results:
· Process to challenge the US Census estimates every two years
· Market demographic tool for small business owners and entrepreneurs
· Data source to help retail & banking industries identify urban market assets
· Evaluation tool to measure impact of development