👋 Welcome to dbsds — Dan Byer Social Data Science
I’m Dan. I help civic leaders, researchers, and organizations navigate complex questions with empathy, clarity, and data that respects the people behind it. At dbsds, we believe good analysis can make systems fairer, programs stronger, and futures more possible — for everyone.
💡 What is Social Data Science — and Why Does It Matter?
Social Data Science brings together people, policy, and technology. It’s not just about dashboards — it’s about understanding what the data means for those it affects.
At dbsds, I help you:
- ✍️ Ask the right questions
- 📊 Work with messy public data
- 💬 Communicate results clearly
- 🤝 Use insights to take action
Whether you’re a local planner, a nonprofit director, or a research lead, I work alongside you to turn your questions into insight — and insight into action.
🏛️ For Cities, Counties, Towns — and the Contractors Who Serve Them
Are you building smarter infrastructure, planning for change, or trying to understand local needs?
I help municipalities and the public contractors who work with them:
- Understand workforce patterns and equity gaps
- Visualize neighborhood trends and service needs
- Win and manage contracts with data-informed strategies
➡️ Explore Civic + Contractor Hub →
❤️ For Nonprofits, Foundations, Civic Groups, and Movements
You’re doing vital work — and asking important questions. I help with:
- Understanding your audience and impact
- Turning raw data into grant-worthy stories
- Supporting advocacy with evidence
➡️ Explore the Community Hub →
🎓 For Researchers, Sociologists, and Analysts
Your work is rich, meaningful — and deserves strong, usable methods. I help bridge:
- Modern data tools with classic social theory
- Community-focused research with institutional priorities
- Visual, clear storytelling with rigorous analysis
Explore projects aligned with ASA 2025’s “Reimagining the Future of Work”:
❓ Questions We Can Answer Together
“Data doesn’t answer questions. People do — together.”
Here are just a few examples of what we can explore:
- What neighborhoods are being left behind?
- Where are contracting opportunities underutilized?
- How can we support our workforce with better insight?
- What’s the story behind these numbers?
✨ About Me — and dbsds
I’m a former Army operations research analyst, VA program leader, and U.S. Census strategist. Now I help cities, communities, and researchers make more thoughtful decisions with data.
I’ve trained in accounting data analytics at the University of Illinois and social data science at Arizona State University. But more than anything, I care about making complex things make sense — and using them to help real people.
🧩 New Offerings to Help You Do More with Less
🤝 Build or Strengthen Your Online Community
Are you a foundation, civic commission, nonprofit, or grassroots group looking to bring your people together online — without renting expensive platforms?
I offer step-by-step support to build an online community:
- Choose the right tools (forums, newsletters, member hubs)
- Set clear goals and rhythms for connection
- Launch and grow a space that supports your mission
Whether you’re just starting or trying to organize scattered efforts, I can help.
🌐 Need a Website That Works for You?
Many small orgs and contractors pay too much for websites that are hard to update — or don’t have one at all.
I’ll help you create a simple, affordable static site:
- Custom-designed to match your brand and purpose
- Easy to maintain, with no bloated plugins or fees
- Costs just a few dollars a month to host
You don’t need a complex tech stack.
You need something that works.
➡️ See how we can work together →
📬 Ready to Connect?
Whether you need a research collaborator, a project partner, or just someone to help clarify the questions — I’m here.
➡️ Let’s talk →