Atlantic Civic Ledger

How we report

A useful analysis explains what each record represents, how it was obtained and what remains unknown.

Preserve the source

We retain original agency downloads and record the jurisdiction, requested period and collection date. Each analysis stays connected to that original extract.

Count the right thing

One property can have several cases, and one case can contain several violations. We count the relevant source identifiers, check duplicates and name the unit being counted. A violation total is not a household total.

Respect the date

The dates selected in a query differ from the date a file was collected. We state both and preserve agency status labels. A downloaded snapshot does not establish a property’s current condition.

Check before comparing

A trend requires comparable periods and consistent definitions. We do not infer a change from a single extract or substitute guesses for missing fields.

Make the limits visible

Our stories link to public sources, explain transformations and identify unresolved limits. Software helps organize and analyze the records; it does not substitute for an inspection, interview or court finding. Aggregate reporting is preferred when identifying a household adds little public value.