Karp Strategies runs a practice dedicated to working with organizations, cities, and companies in changing neighborhoods who seek to tackle complex planning, policy, and operations challenges that allow those organizations to better provide services and products to their communities and customers. Our firm is particularly dedicated to helping our clients utilize the best data sources – and tools for data analytics – to inform their decision making and catalyze change. To that end, Karp Strategies tested a new tool called Citiesense, a data-rich interactive mapping platform to help cities and organizations map, measure, and market information about real estate and economic development. At the time of project kick off, Citiesense had recently completed a test of its software with several larger business improvement districts (BIDs) throughout New York City, and sought to further test its product with planning firms and smaller BIDs. Karp Strategies and Citiesense partnered with the North Flatbush BID (run by Perch Advisors) to further develop the software and to provide North Flatbush with critical analytical services. After stabilizing its financials and governance over the past year, the North Flatbush BID sought to strategically examine the future of development in both the BID and the adjacent areas, with a special focus on the effects of Pacific Park, a large mixed-use development project. Moreover, North Flatbush Avenue was experiencing a high number of storefront vacancies. With these needs in mind, Karp Strategies led a quantitative and qualitative assessment of threats and opportunities in order to guide property owners, implement necessary protections, and determine favorable outcomes from future development. The firm triangulated data collected through Citiesense with a thorough site analysis, documenting North Flatbush’s physical assets. Karp Strategies deliverables included: Excel outputs of data collected through Citiesense; maps of the district highlighting vacancies, opportunities, assets, and potential conflicts; charts and graphics illustrating trends in the area; and a planning and economic trend analysis memo summarizing key findings.