The Philadelphia Economic Equity Project (PEEP) is a new initiative within the Partnership for Social and Economic Mobility. Philadelphia is one of three cities (New York City, New York; Charlotte, NC; Philadelphia, PA) undertaking data collection in a way that reflects the priorities of community partners, decision makers, and researchers. This approach is responsive to the shifting nature of and the need for local responses to fight economic instability and promote economic mobility.

PEEP aims to bring nuance to the narrative about people who are experiencing hardship by listening to and amplifying their voices and stories. By linking these experiences to other data, we create an information system that captures the effects of economic hardship that are visible in health, education, and access to jobs, and also exacerbated by structural racism.

Our research design will capture these effects through surveys, interviews, and other methods that center Philadelphians’ experiences so that policymakers, practitioners, investors, and community members can use the results to respond with data-informed solutions for our city.