I know it’s a lost cause to expect the Census Bureau to see reason and dump AFF2, which sometime this fall will become their only portal for census and ACS data. But anyone who believes a data searching and downloading product has to require tutorials and special training, or has to be clunky, needlessly complex, visually confusing, and counter-intuitive should visit the BEA’s new web site, and try downloading economic data for his/her local area. The steps are quick, the icons are clear and intuitive, and you can get to some pretty complex stuff in a series of steps that leaves you feeling smart.

By comparison, speaking only for myself, I always come away from AFF2 either feeling dumb, or like a shoplifter who actually got away with something useful, despite the risks I had to take and the danger of complete failure.

However, I do appreciate the efforts of Elaine and others to provide tips and data-downloading alternatives to AFF2 – thanks!

Jonathan Lupton AICP

Research Planner

Metroplan

Little Rock AR

501-372-3300