The Community Index began six years ago as an effort of our team to document what key indicators are measures of current and predictors of future vibrant communities. Each year we publish top 10 lists of counties, organized by population size.
Last year, we developed this tool to allow others to see how our Index model ranks counties across the country. The Index models communities across five categories:
This year, in looking at improving the data behind the model, we discovered that we were missing a key element in our Index: Donuts!
Investment: active businesses, access to capital, and investment in physical infrastructure
Talent: a growing workforce with education and job skills, equipped to excel in high-wage opportunities
Sustainability: transportation, land use, and environmental conditions that promote healthier lifestyles and a healthier planet
Place: affordable housing and transportation options that provide access to recreational and cultural amenities
Diversity: personal and professional interaction across lines of race/ethnicity, age, and wealth
This year, in looking at improving the data behind the model, we discovered that we were missing a key element in our Index: Donuts!
Today, we’re announcing that the five index categories have now become six:
InvestmentTalentSustainabilityPlaceDiversityDonuts
Who doesn’t like donuts? There is nothing better to pair with your early morning coffee or as a pick me up in the afternoon. Donut shops attract talent, make places more vibrant, and bring in investment from related industries.
Similar to our top ten lists, Best Places publishes a list of Top Ten Donut Cities:
Providence-Warwick, RIWorcester, MABoston-Cambridge-Newton, MAHartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CTNew Haven-Milford, CTBridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CTSpringfield, MAScranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PADallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXAlbany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
We’re spending April Fool’s day working on the math to incorporate these measures into our index, but in the meantime, visit the Fourth Economy Community Index to see how your community stacks up across our current indicators in Investment, Talent, Sustainability, Place, and Diversity, and let us know what you think.