To Better Serve Community Information Needs, We Need to Measure Them
The Civic Information Needs Census (CINC) is a survey-based measure of how important local information is to people in a community and how satisfied they are getting it. It is designed in partnership with civic information providers – journalists, schools, libraries, community groups, and local government — to give them actionable insights to strengthen their services and impact.
The Problem
Civic information providers need measures to understand progress and build on success
Civic information providers are emerging to address the collapse of local American newspapers. Hundreds of local news startups have been created; foundations give $500M a year to journalism. Yet the field has no consistent, quantitative way to measure which communities have the greatest needs, where these needs are being met well, and whether efforts are making a difference over time.
A Solution
Representative survey data that is consistent, persistent, and actionable
CINC explores a community's information needs on key civic topics, and whether and how they are being met. It provides measurement that allows comparison across populations and over time. Combined with other research tools and ecosystem studies, it can inform action to meet information needs where they are greatest and accelerate learning from what is working.
Key Findings
Data from our national and local surveys reveals significant gaps in how communities access critical information.
How difficult is it for you to get information about each of the following in your day-to-day life?
% who say it is somewhat or very difficult to get information
Where We've Surveyed
CINC has collected data from communities across America, with more surveys planned. Select examples are below.
National (Wave 1)
2,110 Adults
Dec 2024
- 16-26% gap between importance and satisfaction on civic topics
- 27% gap for parents on education information
- 34% of 18-34-year-olds turn to social media for local information
Chicago
1,698 Adults
Dec 2024
- 19-36% gap between importance and satisfaction
- Significantly higher information gaps for transportation than National
- Friends and family top source for quality information
New York City
1,428 Adults
Mar 2025
- 26-39% gap between importance and satisfaction
- 50% or less satisfied for 10 of 12 critical life situations
- Parents rely heavily on PTAs for education information