Dataset comes from U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA). It contains the walkability Index and factors to calculate it on every Census 2019 block group in the U.S. Walkability depends upon characteristics of the built environment that influence the likelihood of walking being used as a mode of travel.Link: https://edg.epa.gov/metadata/catalog/search/resource/details.page?uuid=%7B251AFDD9-23A7-4068-9B27-A3048A7E6012%7D&xsl=metadata_to_html_fullDocument: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/national-walkability-index-user-guide-and-methodology

This submission includes publicly available data extracted in its original form. Please reference the Related Publication listed here for source and citation information If you have questions about the underlying data stored here, please contact John Thomas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at thomas.john@epa.gov. If you have questions about this metadata entry, please contact the CAFE team at climatecafe@bu.edu. "The National Walkability Index is a nationwide geographic data resource that ranks block groups according to their relative walkability. The national dataset includes walkability scores for all block groups as well as the underlying attributes that are used to rank the block groups. The National Walkability Index Methodology and User Guide (pdf) (2.63 MB, 2021) provides information on how to use the tool, as well as the methodology used to derive the index and ranked scores for its inputs. The index was developed using selected variables on density, diversity of land uses, and proximity to transit from the Smart Location Database. " [Quote from https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/national-walkability-index-user-guide-and-methodology]

National walkability index in 2021. The National Walkability Index identifies areas with mixtures of land use and transportation infrastructure that may encourage walking as a mode of transportation. This index is comprised of four ranked measures: intersection density, distance to the nearest transit stop, employment diversity, and employment and housing diversity. More walkable areas rate higher on intersection density, have lower distances to the nearest transit stop, and have higher employment and employment plus housing diversity.The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Smart Location Database was created to address the demand for tools that compare location efficiency. The Smart Location Database (SLD) summarizes several demographic, employment, and built environment variables for every Census block group.

The Walkability Index is intended to help address a growing demand for data products and tools that enable users to consistently compare multiple places based on their suitability for walking as a means of travel. It may be of use as source data for transportation or land use sketch planning tools.The Walkability Index dataset characterizes every Census 2010 block group in the U.S. based on its relative walkability. Walkability depends upon characteristics of the built environment that influence the likelihood of walking being used as a mode of travel. The Walkability Index is based on the EPA's previous data product, the Smart Location Database (SLD). Block group data from the SLD was the only input into the Walkability Index and consisted of four variables from the SLD weighted in a formula to create the new Walkability Index. This dataset shares the SLD's block group boundary definitions from Census 2010.

The Walkability Index dataset characterizes every Census 2010 block group in the U.S. based on its relative walkability. Walkability depends upon characteristics of the built environment that influence the likelihood of walking being used as a mode of travel. The Walkability Index is based on the EPA's previous data product, the Smart Location Database (SLD). Block group data from the SLD was the only input into the Walkability Index, and consisted of four variables from the SLD weighted in a formula to create the new Walkability Index. This dataset shares the SLD's block group boundary definitions from Census 2010.The methodology describing the process of creating the Walkability Index can be found in the documents located at https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/OP/WalkabilityIndex.zip. You can also learn more about the Smart Location Database at https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/OP/Smart_Location_DB_v02b.zip. --------Field Descriptions--------· NatWalkInd = National Walkability Index (relative metric, higher values indicate conditions generally more conducive to pedestrian travel)· D2a_EpHHm = Employment and household entropy · D2b_E8MixA = 8-tier employment entropy (denominator set to the static 8 employment types in the CBG)· D3b = Street intersection density (weighted, autooriented intersections eliminated) · D4a = Distance from population weighted centroid to nearest transit stop (meters) but remember that significant transit capacity has been added since the date of source data used in this analysis (TRAX green line, extensions to other lines, FrontRunner south, etc). ----------Cited Data Sources that informed this analysis are 2010 Census TIGER/Line shapefiles, 2010 Census Summary File 1, Census LEHD 2010, InfoUSA 2011, NAVTEQ NAVSTREETS 2011, GTFS data for 228 transit agencies, Center for Transit Oriented Development TOD Database 2012

These map layers present the number of National Green Building Standard points awarded for a project site or lot’s relative walkability, and accessibility to jobs via transit or within a 45-minute drive. This map presents information on the following criteria included in the 2020 National Green Building Standard: • Section 405.6(7) - Points for sites located in census block groups with above-average transit access to employment. (See variable D5b in Smart Location Database Technical Documentation and User Guide (2014) for background) • Section 405.6(8) - Points for sites located in census block groups with above-average access to employment within a 45-minute drive (See variable D5a in Smart Location Database Technical Documentation and User Guide (2014) for background on methods) • Section 501.2(4) - Points for lots located in census block groups with above-average neighborhood walkability (See National Walkability Index for background on methods) • Section 11.501.2(3) - Points for lots located in census block groups with above-average neighborhood walkability (See National Walkability Index for background on methods) Using data available through EPA’s Smart Location Database and National Walkability Index, relative walkability and accessibility to jobs via transit or within a 45-minute drive for census block groups were calculated and ranked into quartile groups. The regional comparison was made by considering the score of each individual census block group as a ratio of the average score of the county in which it is located. Those block groups with scores in the highest two quartiles nationally are eligible for NGBS points per the Sections noted above. Details on methodologies and datasets includes in the Smart Location Database and National Walkability Index can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smart-location-mapping#SLD

A large body of research has demonstrated that land use and urban form can have a significant effect on transportation outcomes. People who live and/or work in compact neighborhoods with a walkable street grid and easy access to public transit, jobs, stores, and services are more likely to have several transportation options to meet their everyday needs. As a result, they can choose to drive less, which reduces their emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants compared to people who live and work in places that are not location efficient. Walking, biking, and taking public transit can also save people money and improve their health by encouraging physical activity. The Smart Location Database summarizes several demographic, employment, and built environment variables for every census block group (CBG) in the United States. The database includes indicators of the commonly cited “D” variables shown in the transportation research literature to be related to travel behavior. The Ds include residential and employment density, land use diversity, design of the built environment, access to destinations, and distance to transit. SLD variables can be used as inputs to travel demand models, baseline data for scenario planning studies, and combined into composite indicators characterizing the relative location efficiency of CBG within U.S. metropolitan regions. This update features the most recent geographic boundaries (2019 Census Block Groups) and new and expanded sources of data used to calculate variables. Entirely new variables have been added and the methods used to calculate some of the SLD variables have changed. More information on the National Walkability index: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smart-location-mapping More information on the Smart Location Calculator: https://www.slc.gsa.gov/slc/

This layer contains Census Tracts that have been designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones and contains additional data determined by the EPA to be of interest to users who are seeking revitalization-oriented information about these tracts. Based on nominations of eligible census tracts by the Chief Executive Officers of each State, Treasury has completed its designation of Qualified Opportunity Zones. Each State nominated the maximum number of eligible tracts, per statute, and these designations are final. The statute and legislative history of the Opportunity Zone designations, under IRC § 1400Z, do not contemplate an opportunity for additional or revised designations after the maximum number of zones allowable have been designated in a State or Territory. The data in this layer was updated in January 2021. For more information on Opportunity Zones, please visit: https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx

EPA has added these indicators to the QOZ tracts list:

1. Count of Superfund facilities from EPA National Priorities List (NPL). Count was generated by performing spatial join of Tract boundaries to NPL points—yielding per tract counts. Spatial Extent: all US states and territories. Source: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-data-and-reports

2. Count of Brownfields properties from EPA Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES). Count was generated by performing spatial join of Tract boundaries to ACRES points--yielding per tract counts. Spatial Extent: all US states and territories. Source: https://edap-oei-data-commons.s3.amazonaws.com/EF/GIS/EF_ACRES.csv

3. Technical Assistance Communities from EPA Office of Community Revitalization (OCR). 13 layers were merged into one; count was generated by performing spatial join of Tract boundaries to combined point layer—yielding per tract counts. Please note that technical assistance communities are often serving areas larger than a single Census tract. Please contact OCR with questions. Spatial Extent: all US states and territories. Source: https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=b8795575db194340a4ad1c251e4d6ca1

4. Lead Paint Index from Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN). Block group-level values were population weighted and summed to produce a tract-level estimate. The “raw” values were converted to tract-level percentiles. Spatial Extent: all US states and Puerto Rico. Source: https://gaftp.epa.gov/EJSCREEN/2019/

5. Air Toxics Respiratory Index from EJSCREEN. Block group-level values were population weighted and summed to produce a tract-level estimate. The “raw” values were converted to tract-level percentiles. Spatial Extent: all US states and Puerto Rico. Source: https://gaftp.epa.gov/EJSCREEN/2019/

6. Demographic Index Indicator from EJSCREEN. Block group-level values were population weighted and summed to produce a tract-level estimate. The “raw” values were converted to tract-level percentiles. Spatial Extent: all US states and Puerto Rico. Source: https://gaftp.epa.gov/EJSCREEN/2019/

7. Estimated Floodplain Indicator from EPA EnviroAtlas. Floodplain raster was converted to polygon feature class; Y/N indicator was generated by performing a spatial join of Tract boundaries to the Floodplain polygons. Spatial Extent: Continental US. Source: https://gaftp.epa.gov/epadatacommons/ORD/EnviroAtlas/Estimated_floodplain_CONUS.zip

8. National Walkability Index from EPA Smart Location Tools. The National Walkability Index is a nationwide geographic data resource that ranks block groups according to their relative walkability. Tract values assigned by averaging values from block group-level table. Spatial Extent: all US states and territories. Source: EPA Office of Policy—2020 NWI update

9. Impaired Waters Indicator from EPA Office of Water (OW). Y/N indicator was generated by performing spatial joins of Tract boundaries to 3 separate impaired waters layers (point, line and polygon). Y was assigned for all intersected geographies. Extent: all US states and Puerto Rico. Source: https://watersgeo.epa.gov/GEOSPATIALDOWNLOADS/rad_303d_20150501_fgdb.zip

10. Tribal Areas Indicator from EPA. Y/N indicator was generated by performing spatial joins of Tract boundaries to 4 separate Tribal areas layers (Alaska Native Villages, Alaska Allotments, Alaska Reservations, Lower 48 Tribes). Y as assigned for all intersected geographies. Spatial Extent: Alaska and Continental US. Source: https://edg.epa.gov/data/PUBLIC/OEI/OIAA/TRIBES/EPAtribes.zip

11. Count of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action facilities. Count was generated by performing spatial join of Tract boundaries to Corrective Action points—yielding per tract counts. Spatial Extent: all US states and territories. Source: https://www.epa.gov/cleanups/cimc-web-map-service-and-more

12. Count of Toxics Release Inventory facilities from EPA. Count was generated by performing spatial join of Tract boundaries to TRI points—yielding per tract counts. Spatial Extent: all US states and territories. Source: https://edap-oei-data-commons.s3.amazonaws.com/EF/GIS/EF_TRI.csv

13. Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) Housing/Transportation Index from CDC, published in 2018. The Housing/Transportation Index includes ACS 2014-2018 data on crowding in housing and no access to vehicle, among others. County values assigned to tracts by joining Tracts to county-level table. For detailed documentation: https://svi.cdc.gov/Documents/Data/2018_SVI_Data/SVI2018Documentation.pdfSpatial Extent: all US states. Source: https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=cbd68d9887574a10bc89ea4efe2b8087

14. Low Access to Food Store Indicator from USDA Food Access Atlas. Y/N indicator was generated by performing a table join of Tracts to the Food Access table records meeting the test criteria. Spatial Extent: all US states. Source: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/download-the-data/

15. Overall Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) from CDC. Values (RPL_THEMES) assigned by joining the Tract boundaries to source Tract-level table. Spatial Extent: All US states. Source: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/data_documentation_download.html

16. Rural Communities Indicator from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS). Source tract-level table was flagged as rural where RUCA Codes in 4-10 or 2 and 3 where area >= 400 sq. miles and pop density

The built environment (BE) has been associated with health outcomes in prior studies. Few have investigated the association between neighborhood walkability, a component of BE, and hypertension. We examined the association between neighborhood walkability and incident hypertension in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. Walkability was measured using Street Smart Walk Score based on participants' residential information at baseline (collected between 2003 and 2007) and was dichotomized as more (score ≥70) and less (score