In today’s global market, places are commodities; cities must meet consumers’–individual and firms–demand for high quality of life. Amidst climate change, diminishing resources, public health concerns, budgetary constraints, etc., they must also grow sustainably. Sustainability and demand for quality of life are tied to walkability.
State of Place is the first empirically-based “place” rating and walkability diagnostic tool tied to economic value and sustainability that allows cities to make smart investment and policy decisions. Cities want for a tool that facilitates cost-efficient, transparent, and accountable decision-making regarding how best to deliver sustainable, walkable places. State of Place is that tool.
Using on-the ground built environment data, State of Place creates an indexed score of ten walkability dimensions, each tied to different returns on investment. It identifies places’ built environment assets and opportunity areas along those dimensions, pinpointing where cities should focus their efforts to obtain exponential results and maximize limited investment dollars.
Tied to significant real estate premiums, it can also increase cities’ economic, image, cultural, health, and environmental value. State of Place delivers an objective, transparent and accountable way to devise effective, contextual solutions aimed at improving sustainability and walkability while balancing fiscal constraints.