Sometimes making improvements requires only a tweak – such as the change of one sentence in a zoning ordinance to enable delivery of a whole portfolio of housing options, or the change in economic development policy to enable attention being given to the small businesses that already exist.
We believe there are 12 Critical Areas to assess and analyze that provide valuable insights about the key points where progress has been stalled. Even small changes can render strong results.
Our Land
How is it divided, zoned, cared for, and preserved for the future?
Our Food
Where is it grown, how healthy is the agricultural sector, how is food distributed, where are the food deserts, how are food costs determined?
Our Homes
Is the whole portfolio of housing options provided and if not, why not?
Our Health and Education
What is the strength of health care and education and how is it distributed?
Our Businesses
Are small businesses financially healthy, are there enough small businesses, and enough variety. Is the community dependent on large businesses that could relocate? Is there workforce training?
Our Economy
What are the 4-5 main sectors of the economy, what is the strength of each? What economic sectors can be expanded by building on the existing business clusters?
Our Society
What are the demographic, social and other characteristics of the community and how are they changing?
Our Communities
How does the community work? Are all groups included in discussions about change? Is there civil discourse? What are the community’s strengths and weaknesses? Is there need for change?
Our Towns and Cities
What are the most important aspects of the towns and cities in the area? Are they financially sound? Should zoning and other ordinances be changed? Are rural communities thriving? Should townscaping and placemaking be implemented?
Our Heritage
What is unique about the area’s heritage? How can it be used to support additional economic prosperity?
Our Leadership
How strong is leadership? Are they up to date in their thinking? Are we enabling younger generations to participate in leadership?
Our Future
What does the future look like? Are issues such as environmental degradation, increased possibility of weather disasters and other natural changes being addressed? Where does the community want to be in 10 years, 20 years? Is a new generation ready to take over? And if so, is there a focus on the issues that are important to them?