Co-authored by Jessica Wyatt, GIS Analyst and Tammie Organski, GIS Manager, Newport News, VA
To highlight ACS (American Community Survey) Awareness Month, the National League of Cities is spotlighting communities that have used ACS data to drive positive change in our From Data to Decisions series.
In Newport News, Virginia, community leaders developed a tool that converts ACS data into actionable, life-saving information for first responders, city departments and residents.
City Profile
- City Name and State: Newport News, Virginia
- Region: Southeastern Virginia
- Population: About 186,250
- Community Snapshot: Newport News, the fifth-largest city in the commonwealth, is a diverse, waterfront city, rooted in shipbuilding and military history while emerging as a hub for innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing. The city is positioning itself for sustainable growth and opportunity.
When a fire truck speeds through a Newport News neighborhood, it’s backed not just by trained firefighters, but also by data.
The City of Newport News is harnessing the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) to ensure first responders have the information they need before an emergency happens.
ACS data, updated annually, offers a vivid, street-level picture of life in the city — covering everything from household income and age trends to transportation access and health care coverage. Unlike the once-a-decade census, ACS provides timely, neighborhood-specific insights that help the city respond to challenges as they emerge.
“Data is more than numbers – it’s the story of our community,” says the Newport News GIS Team, which transforms these insights into actionable intelligence. Their mission: give city leaders, first responders and residents alike the tools to see patterns, anticipate needs and act fast.
From Data to Decision-Making
Through the city’s GeoHub, residents, decision-makers and partners can explore maps, dashboards and interactive apps that make data accessible. A notable example is the GIS team’s development of an internal ArcGIS Experience Builder application for the Newport News Fire Department. This application overlays ACS data onto local fire district boundaries in support of the department’s recent CFAI Accreditation Renewal.
The application offers more than just statistics. It paints a neighborhood-by-neighborhood portrait of the city. Fire officials can see where populations are growing or aging, anticipate shifts in service demand, and spot signs of community change such as new migration patterns or economic shifts.
“This tool has become a valuable asset in how we communicate district-specific data and insights, both internally and with our community,” says Fire Chief Wesley Rogers. “This is a tool that not only enhances our operational awareness but also strengthens our connection with the community we serve.”
It also highlights neighborhoods where residents may face added risks during an emergency, like seniors living alone, households without vehicles, families with limited income or people with disabilities. These insights make it possible to plan targeted evacuation strategies, wellness checks and outreach programs that truly meet people where they are.
Health-related indicators — like insurance coverage rates — add another layer to the picture, helping public health efforts align with local needs. And the benefits extend beyond emergencies. Staffing decisions, equipment placement and fire station coverage can be refined with this data, while prevention programs like smoke alarm installations or fire safety workshops are directed where they’ll have the greatest impact.
The same data strengthens grant applications, providing credible, standardized statistics that demonstrate community need. And when shared across departments — from planning to public works to parks — it allows the city to coordinate projects that address infrastructure and public safety together.
Turning Neighborhood Insights into Action
The Fire District Infographics application bridges the gap between raw data and real-world action. Users can easily navigate between tabs such as Population Trends, Community Change and At-Risk Populations to view mapped data, charts and summary reports for each district.
This dynamic approach allows Newport News to adapt in real time, replacing static reports with living tools that reflect a community’s evolving needs.
By integrating ACS data into a GIS-based platform, the city has created a powerful feedback loop: understanding local conditions, adjusting strategies and monitoring results. Whether it’s guiding fire department operations, planning for emergencies, or shaping equitable growth, data ensures that decisions are rooted in reality and are responsive to residents.
In Newport News, safety doesn’t start when a call comes in: it starts with understanding the people, neighborhoods and trends that define the city. With ACS insights, GIS technology and a commitment to collaboration, Newport News is proving that when data meets dedication, neighborhoods become stronger, safer and more resilient.
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