Research and Analytics
The Research and Analytics team maintains information and datasets, creates maps and other data visualizations, and performs analysis supporting the organization’s programs and local member data needs.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory GNRC developed a simplified statewide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory using a hybrid approach as part of its work on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. This method combined data from the EPA’s National Inventory Summaries with default inputs from EPA’s State Inventory Tool modules. The process enabled the team to evaluate data needs for a comprehensive GHG inventory and provide key metrics such as airport enplanements, solid waste tonnage, and vehicle miles traveled, among others, to estimate emissions levels across the region. Traffic Monitoring with “Big Data” GNRC leveraged comprehensive, high-fidelity data from Replica to enhance regional transportation planning efforts. Using Replica’s data insights, GNRC expanded its analysis of real-world traffic and mobility patterns to assess current conditions like bottlenecks and the factors contributing to peak congestion while also optimizing its traffic forecasting models. GNRC has made the data available to member jurisdictions in support of local efforts to improve data-driven decision making and to align the region’s long-term goals for growth and accessibility with local priorities.
Special Census GNRC is one of the few agencies authorized by the state to carry out the verification process for municipalities or counties conducting a special census count. GNRC’s responsibilities include reviewing count data for compliance with state requirements and conducting a field verification to test data accuracy. In FY24, GNRC conducted special census verifications for the Town of Nolensville, City of Lebanon and the City of Mt. Juliet. Over a two-month period, GNRC’s team verified the residency of more than 10,000 individuals across all three communities to complete the process. 2050 Growth Forecasts The Research and Analytics team is preparing growth forecasts to predict population, employment, and land development trends out to the year 2050. GNRC houses the regional land use and travel demand models that are used by local, state, and national policymakers, grant funders, planners, and economic development professionals to prepare for the future. The land use model combines economic and social theories to forecast future changes and long-term impacts on land use. Similarly, the travel demand model predicts future travel patterns based on anticipated personal and commercial behaviors. For the first time, GNRC has fully integrated these two models, allowing staff to gain deeper insights into the relationship between land use decisions and infrastructure needs.
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