As we look back on the year, here are the blog posts that stand out as most memorable for the team.
Comparing Privacy Disclosure Methods (Oct 9, 2025)
Demystifying how census agencies protect individual information, this post explores the different privacy methods used in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — from random rounding to suppression and geographic dispersion. It’s a must-read for data users and analysts who need to understand how disclosure avoidance impacts data accuracy and usability across geographies. Comparing Privacy Disclosure Methods – Applied Geographic Solutions
A Slow Changing of the Guards (Oct 2, 2025)
If you missed this important announcement about the future of AGS, Gary reflects on leadership transition naming a new employee ownership group. He introduces the next generation of leaders and underscores how strategic planning ensures AGS stays strong for decades to come. A Slow Changing of the Guards – Applied Geographic Solutions
Family Size, Fertility, and the Multifamily Boom (May 15, 2025)
This insightful piece connects demographic shifts — like falling fertility rates and smaller household sizes — with evolving housing demand. It explains why multifamily and denser housing are becoming more prominent in real estate planning, offering key takeaways for developers and investors. Family Size, Fertility, and the Multifamily Boom: Connecting the Dots in Housing Demand – Applied Geographic Solutions
Ask AGS: Why Shouldn’t I Use ZIP Codes for Crime Data? (Apr 10, 2025)
A practical FAQ that tackles a common analytical pitfall: relying on ZIP codes for crime analysis. The post explains why ZIP boundaries can mislead and recommends using finer geographies like blocks or block groups for more accurate insights. Ask AGS: Why Shouldn’t I use ZIP Codes for Crime Data? – Applied Geographic Solutions
When a Chain Store Closes — A Story of Opportunity and Regret (Mar 13, 2025)
With a personal and community-centric lens, this narrative explores the broader impacts of big retail closures. It highlights how communities can rethink support for local businesses and what store closures mean for local economies. When a Chain Store Closes—a Story of Opportunity and Regret – Applied Geographic Solutions
Food Insecurity (Feb 20, 2025)
Tapping into new disposable income and expenditure models, this post sheds light on the rising burden of grocery costs across the U.S. It reveals geographic disparities in food spending and underscores the complex reality of food insecurity in both urban and rural communities. Food Insecurity – Applied Geographic Solutions
Retailers with Similar Site Selection Strategy (Jan 9, 2025)
This fun yet informative piece explains why certain retailers and restaurants cluster together. Using local examples, it shows how similar site criteria — like demographics and traffic — lead to neighboring locations, even for seemingly unrelated brands. Retailers with Similar Site Selection Strategy – Applied Geographic Solutions
Celebrating 30 Years: A New Look for AGS (Nov 13, 2025)
A milestone post celebrating three decades of growth and evolution. AGS shares the story behind its new visual identity — from the origins of its first logo to the launch of a brand that better reflects its expanded geographic reach and future direction. Celebrating 30 Years: A New Look for AGS – Applied Geographic Solutions