What Does ‘Quality of Life’ Mean to Economic Developers? (Part 1)

Community and economic developers, local politicians, and business owners often talk about “quality of life” and its importance in attracting and retaining residents, workers, and businesses to a place. But what is it exactly within the context of economic development and why is it so important?

Quality of life is a somewhat intangible concept that determines whether or not an area is desirable. It is a crucial element of a community’s economic growth and success. It’s about creating a place where people want to live, work, and enjoy life.

Communities that prioritize cultivating a good quality of life gain a strategic advantage in economic development. While it can vary between places, there are certain universal factors that contribute to a thriving environment. This series will explore these factors to help understand how the right quality of life can attract businesses, talent, and population growth.

Defining Quality of Life

When an economic developer talks about quality of life, they are typically referring to the overall well-being and satisfaction of a community’s residents. This satisfaction level is determined by examining multiple factors within a community, including:

• Amenities
• Education (both attainment and what is offered)
• Access to quality healthcare
• Public safety
• A clean and healthy environment
• Housing options and availability
• Transportation options and availability
• Infrastructure quality and accessibility
• Community engagement

To fully understand what we mean by quality of life, let’s break down each of these categories a bit further.

Amenities

Amenities are indispensable for economic development and improving residents’ quality of life. A diverse range of amenities helps contribute to a vibrant community. These, in turn, help attract individuals looking for a specific lifestyle and can often influence decisions made by companies to expand or locate in a place.

Furthermore, strong amenities can positively impact tourism, property values, and overall resident satisfaction. These amenities may include, but are not limited to:

• Outdoor Recreation: Parks, trails, green spaces, water bodies, and opportunities for all types of outdoor activities.
• Cultural Attractions: Museums, theaters, art galleries, and historical sites provide opportunities to get out in the community and can encourage tourism.
• Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants, bars, cafes, and entertainment venues for sports, music, theater, and more.
• Shopping: Retail stores, boutiques, and shopping centers of all types.
• Community Centers: Facilities used for recreation, fitness, education, and social gatherings, typically designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Education

Access to quality education and residents’ educational attainment are essential to a good quality of life. Well-funded and resourced schools, colleges, and universities help attract and retain families and provide important workforce training programs.

A strong educational system fosters a skilled workforce, which, in turn, helps attract companies and bring new jobs, drives economic growth, and is a key component in improving quality of life. A quality educational system typically includes the following elements:

• Early Childhood Education and Childcare: High-quality early childhood programs are essential for children’s development and future success. Easy access to affordable childcare is often a top priority for both businesses and individuals looking to relocate.
• K-12 Education: Strong, well-funded public schools and access to quality private schools are crucial for student achievement.
• Higher Education: Colleges and universities that contribute to research, innovation, and talent development.
• Workforce Development: Educational programs that provide students with in-demand job skills are vital for economic growth and business attraction.

Healthcare

Access to and the availability of quality healthcare facilities and services is crucial for a healthy and thriving community and a good quality of life. It contributes to the overall well-being of the community and drives economic growth by ensuring a healthy and productive workforce. Key components of a strong healthcare system include:

• Access to Care: Ensuring that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all residents.
• Quality of Care: Providing high-quality medical services and achieving positive outcomes.
• Healthcare Workforce: Attracting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals.
• Healthcare Innovation: Fostering medical research and development programs.
• Public Health: Promoting preventive care and addressing emerging public health challenges.

Public Safety

A sense of safety and security is essential for a high quality of life. It promotes economic growth, helps attract tourists, and encourages new families to settle in a community. It is important to note “a sense of” in this category; even if the area has great safety standards, if it does not “feel” safe or secure to residents or visitors, that is often enough to create a negative impression. A sense of safety and security can vary from place to place. Aspects include:

• Crime Prevention: Taking proactive measures to reduce crime rates, such as visible patrols, well-lit public areas, and proactive policing.
• Law Enforcement: A well-trained and equipped police force.
• Emergency Services: Including fire departments, emergency medical services, and disaster preparedness.  Public Safety Education: Programs aimed at educating residents about safety measures.

Healthy Environment

A clean and healthy environment is important for a high quality of life and economic development. A community’s water and air quality can dictate what companies can locate there and if it is a safe place to live.

Investing in environmental protection and sustainability not only improves public health but can also create jobs, attract businesses, and enhance an area’s overall appeal, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. Environmental elements to consider include:

• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Dealing with the effects of climate change by implementing strategies to reduce its impact and adjusting to the changes.
• Protection of Air and Water Quality: Safeguarding air and water resources from pollution and deterioration.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling: Minimizing waste production and promoting recycling community-wide efforts.
• Preservation and Expansion of Green Spaces: Protecting and increasing the availability of parks and green areas.
• Sustainable Community Development: Incorporating environmental considerations into all economic and community planning and development aspects.

Housing

Housing is a basic human need that directly impacts people’s daily lives and can dictate how a community grows and changes over time.

The available housing stock can determine many things in an area, including pricing, commute times, and whether there is room for population growth. Affordable, accessible, and high-quality housing contributes to developing thriving and desirable places, boosting economic growth. Elements of housing that contribute to a good quality of life include:

• Affordable Housing: Ensuring that housing is accessible to people of all income levels contributes to a more fair and inclusive community.
• Diverse Options: Offering a range of housing types, such as single-family homes, multi-plexes, apartments, and condos, can attract a more diverse population to the area.
• Quality Living: Maintaining safe and high-quality housing can improve residents’ overall health and well-being.
• Adequate Supply: Having enough housing available can help prevent shortages and rising costs.
• Convenient Location: Living close to amenities, transportation, and jobs can improve residents’ overall quality of life and an area’s appeal.
• Homelessness Support: Addressing and preventing homelessness and providing supportive housing and other social services for those in need is essential.

Transportation

Transportation plays a crucial role in shaping a community’s quality of life, affecting accessibility to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services.

It is important to look at all transit aspects, including public, private, ride-share, taxis, business, etc. Efficient and reliable transportation systems can enhance a community’s economic vitality, social cohesion, tourism, and overall well-being. They contribute to the quality of life through:

• Accessibility to Jobs: A well-connected transportation system allows residents to access job opportunities beyond their immediate neighborhood, expanding their economic prospects.
• Business Attraction: Businesses are more likely to locate in areas with efficient transportation infrastructure, as it facilitates the movement of goods and employees.
• Tourism: A strong transportation network can attract tourists and boost the local economy.
• Connectivity: Transportation connects people to their communities, fostering social interactions and a sense of belonging.
• Accessibility to Services: Efficient transportation systems ensure access to essential services like schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and libraries.
• Affordability: Affordable public transportation options are crucial for low-income residents to participate fully in the community.

Infrastructure

Excellent infrastructure is one of the most important components of a successful community, typically consisting of various physical assets supporting daily activities and economic development.

Infrastructure provides is at the foundation of every other factor mentioned here. Its enhances accessibility, expands economic growth, and ensures public health and safety. Well-connected communities with modern infrastructure are valuable to residents and businesses since they are used and improve daily experiences and quality of life. This includes:

• Transportation: Well-maintained roads, bridges, airports, ports, and public transportation systems are crucial for residents to easily access services such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
• Utilities: Clean water, modern sanitation systems, and reliable access to utility services (water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas) are essential for maintaining public health and safety and attracting new businesses.
• Public Facilities: The presence of public facilities like schools, libraries, parks, and community centers directly impacts residents’ daily lives and provides opportunities for leisure and social activities.
• Telecommunications: A well-developed telecommunication infrastructure includes broadband and fiber internet, reliable communication networks, and high-speed connections.

Community Engagement

Communities can encourage a sense of ownership, trust, and better outcomes by involving residents and business stakeholders in decision-making processes through robust and non-performative community engagement.

When economic developers are coming up with a plan or a strategy for a community, it is wise to engage the public in some manner, whether through in-person community meetings, surveys, or focus groups. This engagement can result in improved decision-making, increased trust and stewardship, higher volunteer participation, and stronger social connections, all of which contribute to successful economic development initiatives. Effective community engagement requires:

• Listening: Creating opportunities for residents to share their ideas and concerns.
• Involvement: Providing opportunities for residents to participate in decision-making.
• Collaboration: Partnering with community organizations and leaders.
• Communication: Sharing information and updates with residents.
• Evaluation: Assessing the impact of community engagement efforts.

Whenever you hear people talking about why they love where they live, they usually mention some, if not all, of the factors described in this article. What words come to your mind when you think about the places you love? Great schools. Easy to get around. Lots of fun things to do. Good jobs. Affordable housing. Safe. Family-friendly. In other words, it’s got a great quality of life!

In the next installment of this two-part series, I will explore how economic developers measure quality of life using both quantitative and qualitative methods and explain how to use the results effectively. Stay tuned!

Are you looking to boost your community’s quality of life? Camoin Associates offers an array of economic development consulting services that can help get you there, including strategic planning, workforce development, housing needs assessments, business attraction and retention, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

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