Community Indicators

by Rhonda Phillips

Community indicators help planners evaluate and monitor the full range of factors―social, environmental, economic, and more―that affect the well-being of a community or region. This report reviews the use of indicators in planning practice and explores their relationship to citizen participation, quality of life, and sustainability. It summarizes the types and scale of indicators and describes how to identify, select, and develop indicators that are appropriate for a particular community. Rural and urban examples show how planners have used indicators in their practice. Includes an annotated list of resources and web links.

46 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Community investment and well-being comprise the focus of Rhonda's research and outreach activities. As a professor in the School of Community Resources & Development at Arizona State University, Rhonda works with faculty, staff, students and organizations to expand the reach of community-based education and research initiatives for enhancing quality of life. Her focus is using community indicator and evaluation systems for monitoring progress towards community development and economic development revitalization goals.