Data Alone Isn't Enough
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Dear Friends of TMT,
We all have that question that keeps us up at night.
Mine is simple: So what?
If TMT were judged by aggregating data alone, the answer would look impressive. We maintain more than 500 indicators on NevadaTomorrow.org, and Luis Chavez, Truckee Meadows Tomorrow's (TMT'S) new Data Architect & Storyteller, can do just about anything when it comes to data analysis.
But I still find myself coming back to the same question: So what?
Over the last six months, I’ve been listening to community leaders share ideas about the future of TMT. One version of that feedback comes up often:
“You have all that data, but so what?”
It’s a fair question, and the answer I keep hearing from the community is this:
Data only matters if it is accessible and used for good.
That’s why we’re working to make TMT’s data more usable and more connected to the people and organizations working to strengthen our community. And we want more people involved in shaping that work.
Here are a few ways you can participate:
Share How You’re Using TMT Data
We want to better understand how this work is showing up in our community. Selected participants may be featured in the new 2026 Community Progress Report or future storytelling efforts. Share your use case by May 31.
Get Involved with Accentuate the Positive
We’ll release the 2026 Community Progress Report during the Accentuate the Positive awards event on September 23 at the Atlantis.
Apply to Serve on the Accentuate the Positive Selection Committee
TMT is offering two competitive seats to serve alongside appointed members in reviewing award nominations. Applications are due May 31.
Nominate Your Heroes for an Accentuate the Positive Award
We are accepting nominations for individuals and organizations advancing quality of life in our region, including the Data Champion Award and the Lynn Atcheson Lifetime Achievement Award. Submit nominations by June 30.
As a preview of the stories we hope to share, I’ve started collecting examples of how TMT’s data is being used in real life. I was surprised to hear from a student who used TMT’s 2024 Community Progress Report
“I am currently a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. I'm writing a paper where I attempt to assess low-income neighborhoods in Reno and their access to mental health services. I have been struggling to find data that clearly identifies these neighborhoods, but the community report has greatly improved my ability to write this paper.”
This kind of use matters. It moves us closer to answering that persistent question: So what?
I don’t think TMT can answer that question alone. This work only means something when there’s a seat at the table for everyone who cares.
That’s why 2026 will mark a shift for TMT. One of our core values is collaboration, and how we do our work is just as important as what we produce.
Share Your Feedback
We’ll be sharing more in the months ahead, but for now, please let me know what you’d like to see more of and send along any data questions you have.
Thank you for being part of TMT.
Warmly,
Nick Tscheekar
Executive Director
Truckee Meadows Tomorrow
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