Elaine Ortiz, MS: Research Associate

elaineo@gnocdc.org | 504–304–8260 x226

Elaine Ortiz is a Research Associate for Nonprofit Knowledge Works, and is responsible for the acquisition and management of data for The New Orleans Index and other Data Center projects. Elaine’s expertise lies in her ability to build sustainable systems for processing large datasets. She put this skill to use developing census block–level counts of households receiving mail for the Data Center’s repopulation mapper. Elaine also has experience and expertise analyzing economic data published by state and federal government agencies.

Elaine came to Knowledge Works after four years with an Iowa think tank where her research ranged from state fiscal policy to labor market conditions to a census of Iowa’s homeless population. She has presented her research nationally, including a publication by The Commonwealth Fund. Elaine has a MS in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa and a BA in economics from Hanover College.

Expertise

• Sustainable systems for processing large datasets
• Economic data
• Fiscal policy

Experience

• Research Associate, The Iowa Policy Project
• Program Associate, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Program, Iowa Workforce Development
• Minority Outreach Specialist, Microloan Program, Impact Seven Inc.

Education

• MS in Urban and Regional Planning, University of Iowa
• BA in Economics, Hanover College

Select Publications

• Ortiz, E. and A. Plyer. (Nov 2008). Valassis Lists Data as an Indicator of Population Recovery in the New Orleans Area. Nonprofit Knowledge Works. Available at: www.gnocdc.org/repopulation/ValassisTechDoc.pdf
• Ortiz, E. Fisher, P. MacDonald, H. and S. Walz. (Jan 2006). 2005 Iowa Statewide Homeless Study. Iowa Council on Homelessness. Available at: www.iowafinanceauthority.gov/documents/filelibrary/ich/2005HomelessStudy.pdf.
• Ortiz, E. Bruner, C. and P. Fisher. (Jan 2005). A Chronic Budget Crisis, Can Iowa Keep its Promises? The Iowa Policy Project. Available at: www.iowapolicyproject.org.
• Ortiz, E. Fisher, P. and C. Gordon. (Dec 2005). On the Fringe: The Substandard Benefits of Workers in Part–Time, Temporary, and Contract Jobs. The Commonwealth Fund. Available at: www.commonwealthfund.org.
• Fisher, P and E. Ortiz. (May 2003). Taxes and State Economic Growth: The Myths and the Reality. The Iowa Policy Project. Available at: www.iowapolicyproject.org.

Select Presentations

• J. Bonaguro, E. Ortiz, & D. Ross. (Oct 2008). Postal Data & Google Maps Shine Light on New Orleans Recovery. Urban & Regional Information Systems Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.
• E. Ortiz. (June 2005). Everyday Low Benefits: Access to Health Insurance in the Age of Wal–Mart and Kelly Services. Institute for Women’s Policy Research Eighth International Women’s Policy Research Conference, Washington DC.