Public Lab
Civic and Social OrganizationsLouisiana, United States2-10 Employees
Public Lab is a civic and social organization focused on environmental, social, and political issues through participatory research and community-led inquiry. Originating from the Grassroots Mapping project, the group emphasizes low-cost, do-it-yourself methods to help communities observe and analyze local conditions, with the aim of promoting action and awareness without relying on traditional expert-driven approaches. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the organization operates with a small team and fosters collaboration among activists, educators, technologists, and community organizers to broaden access to environmental measurement and social insight. In its activity, Public Lab supports frontline communities by developing and sharing accessible tools and workflows that enable local mapping, data collection, and interpretation. The organization functions within the civic and social sector, seeking to empower participants to examine issues ranging from environmental impacts to governance, while expanding its network through initiatives such as fellowship programs and community-focused projects. Recent developments include the launch of a Fellowship Teams program to assist community organizers worldwide in addressing local environmental concerns and building external support networks.