Why It Matters: State Programs Often Lack Participant Demographic Data

A new report from Empowering Strategies highlights a significant gap: many state‐led economic development and workforce programs do not collect or publish demographic data (such as race, gender, income level, or geography) about the people they serve.

Key takeaways:

• Without demographic data, it’s hard to assess whether these programs are equitably serving all communities — or whether some groups are being left behind.
• This lack of data limits transparency and accountability, making policy decisions, funding, and program improvements more difficult.
• Collecting and reporting demographic information isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential for identifying gaps and ensuring that programs deliver for marginalized and underrepresented populations.

For EMCA and our East Metro communities, this matters deeply. We believe that to build equitable opportunity—especially in housing, employment, and economic development—programs must be transparent about who they serve. When we know who is being reached (and who isn’t), we can better advocate for tailored supports, funding, and policy changes that ensure everyone has access to opportunity.

Read the report: https://empoweringstrategies.org/inventory-of-state-programs-very-few-provide-demographic-data-on-participants/