From Gaps to Insights: Navigating Public Health Data Challenges and Opportunities

Over the past year, public health leaders have experienced firsthand how vulnerable federal datasets can be-and seen strong advocacy efforts related to access to federal data take shape. Key indicators have been restricted, delayed, or removed entirely, only to return after sustained advocacy. As we head into 2026, updated datasets, restored access, and evolving federal modernization efforts create a critical moment of opportunity. In this 30-minute interactive discussion, experts from the City Health Dashboard and Metopio will explore produce data-driven insights even as federal data sources become shakier. We’ll break down what’s newly available or returning, how community-level data can fill critical blind spots, and what leaders should prioritize to ensure accurate, equitable public health planning in the year ahead.