Community Impact – Page 17 – Knight Foundation

Program Area: Community Impact

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access exists along racial and economic lines.

BILOXI, Miss. – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute shows that Biloxi metro area residents have easy access to recreational areas and arts and cultural amenities. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these amenities may exist in urban communities such as Greater Biloxi.

Here are other key Biloxi findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • Relatively more Biloxi metro area residents report easy access to recreational areas (90%), nightlife (82%), and arts and entertainment (78%) than residents in other urban areas.
  • Nationally, this study found that while access to recreational areas and arts and cultural amenities ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“While this study illustrates that Biloxi has successfully built out its arts and cultural scene, there is an opportunity to build stronger, more lasting connections between residents and their community by continuing to invest in recreational spaces and downtown areas,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Amid COVID-19, investing in these outside spaces is critically important to provide residents with opportunities to reconnect to their community.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Biloxi — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who do not. 
  • The Biloxi data reveals how attached local residents are to the metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute 

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Jessica Pamp on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that Greater Duluth area residents report easy access to recreational areas and arts and cultural amenities. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these amenities may exist in urban communities such as Greater Duluth.

The study, “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,” also finds that Greater Duluth residents’ social networks lack diversity across barriers of race and ethnicity.

Here are other key Duluth findings:

  • Only 42% of residents know at least some people from a different race or ethnic background, below the 64% national average.
  • A large majority of residents feel they have easy access to recreational areas  (95%) and arts and cultural amenities (69%).
  • However, nationally, this study found that while recreational areas and arts and cultural amenities ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“By continuing to invest in connecting the lakefront to downtown and developing additional, equitable recreational spaces that everyone can use, Duluth can further explore opportunities to improve diverse engagement between community members,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives.

“Through strategic community investments, Duluth can continue to provide amenities that create even deeper connections not only between current residents and their community, but for potential new residents as well.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Duluth — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The Duluth data reveals how attached local residents are to the Duluth metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Andrew Ling on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A groundbreaking new study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that while a majority of residents of the Columbus metro area experience easy access to recreational areas, national data may suggest that a gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines in urban communities such as Greater Columbus. 

Here are other key Columbus findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • Many Greater Columbus residents (62%) feel that access to recreational areas are very important to them and 84% say they experience easy access to those areas.
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study illustrates opportunities for Columbus to further connect residents to one another and their community,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Community Ties also tells us that many residents say recreational spaces are important to them. So by investing in public spaces, such as the riverfront or Dragonfly Trails, and other amenities that will further connect residents, Columbus can continue on a path toward a vibrant future.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Columbus — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The Columbus data reveals how attached local residents are to the Columbus metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Jerel Coles on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by the Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that most residents of the Columbia metro area report easy access to recreational areas and have diverse social circles. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these areas may exist in urban communities such as Greater Columbia.

Here are other key Columbia findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • Many residents have diverse social circles: 64% know someone from a different racial or ethnic background, and most know someone from a different socioeconomic background. 
  • In Greater Columbia, 83% of residents report easy access to recreational areas.
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study illustrates that there is an opportunity to build stronger, more lasting connections between residents and their community by investing in public spaces — such as Columbia’s riverfront — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when outdoor areas are even more important,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “We need to invest with equity in mind to help ensure that important community amenities are available to all residents equally, while we continue to build on Columbia’s diverse and vibrant community.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Columbia — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not. 
  • The Columbia data reveals how attached local residents are to the Columbia metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as  boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Daniel Reche on Pexels.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by  Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that many Fort Wayne metro area residents report easy access to recreational areas, which could deepen their ties to the community. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these amenities may exist in urban communities such as Greater Fort Wayne.

Here are other key Fort Wayne findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • In Greater Fort Wayne, most residents report they have easy access to recreational areas (89%), slightly above the national average (85%).
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study shows that Fort Wayne is able to connect residents with what matters most to them,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Fort Wayne can continue to build a vibrant community by focusing on recreation areas in particular, as the city works to invest in revitalizing the riverfront. Improving access to these areas through a variety of investment strategies is an important step in making sure recreational amenities continue to build stronger, more lasting connections between residents and their community.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Fort Wayne — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not. 
  • The Fort Wayne data reveals how attached local residents are to the metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 


To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website.

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Uniq Trek on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access exists along racial and economic lines.

STATE COLLEGE, PA – A new landmark study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that most State College metro area residents report easy access to recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play. However, national data from the study may suggest a gap along racial and economic lines in accessing these amenities in urban communities such as Greater State College.

The study, “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,” also finds that Greater State College residents report higher rates of community investment as compared to other urban communities.

Here are other key State College findings: 

  • In State College, more residents volunteer with local organizations in the community (50%) as compared with the national average of 45%.
  • State College residents report easy access to recreational areas (91%) and safe spaces to live, work and play (95%) — both far above the national averages of 85% and 77%.
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas and safe spaces ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study indicates that State College has cultivated a strong connection between residents and their community,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “It’s important to continue building upon that connection, and addressing issues of equity through strategic investments. By better integrating the university with the downtown area, State College can continue to create an even more desirable place to live, work and play.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including State College — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The State College data reveals how attached local residents are to the State College metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Imani on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access exists along racial and economic lines.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – A new landmark study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that access to arts and cultural amenities is easy for most West Palm Beach metro area residents. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these amenities may exist in urban communities such as Greater West Palm Beach.

Here are other key West Palm Beach findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • In the Greater West Palm Beach area, 80% of residents feel they can access arts and entertainment amenities, compared to a national average of 72%.
  • Nationally, this study found that while arts and cultural amenities ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study shows that West Palm Beach is successfully building strong connections between the community and its residents, especially through access to arts and cultural amenities,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Prioritizing equity is critical when investing in these amenities to build on residents’ attachment to the area and ensure everyone has access to what makes a community great.” 


Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including West Palm Beach — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The West Palm Beach data reveals how attached local residents are to the West Palm Beach metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines.

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that many Greater Myrtle Beach residents choose to live in the area because of its quality of life and enjoy easy access to recreational areas. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these areas may exist in urban communities such as Greater Myrtle Beach.

Here are other key Myrtle Beach findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what 

attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • A large share of residents (40%) choose to live in Greater Myrtle Beach for the quality of life, above the 33% national average. 
  • Many residents also report having easy access to community resources such as recreational areas (89%), above the national average (85%).
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study illustrates that Greater Myrtle Beach residents choose to live in the area for high quality of life and a strong sense of attachment to where they live, which is key for a vibrant community,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “But communities that promote equity are vibrant communities. Myrtle Beach could further explore opportunities with key stakeholders like Coastal Carolina University and others to improve equitable access to community amenities between diverse community members.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Myrtle Beach — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who had access to jobs, affordable housing, schools, health care or other desirable features. 
  • The Myrtle Beach data reveals how attached local residents are to the Myrtle Beach metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Kirk Van Nort on Unsplash.

Communities

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to these areas exists along racial and economic lines.

LEXINGTON, KY – A new landmark study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that most Greater Lexington area residents generally have good access to recreational areas. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these areas may exist in urban communities such as Greater Lexington.

Here are other key Lexington findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • The great majority of residents surveyed feel that they have easy access to a wide number of amenities such as recreational areas (86%).
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study shows that Lexington continues to connect residents to what they feel is important and necessary in their community,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Lexington could continue to build on this momentum by continuing to invest in projects — such as the transformative Town Branch Commons public-private pak and trail system — that will further attach residents to their community.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the  country — including Lexington — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The Lexington data reveals how attached local residents are to the Lexington metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute
The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Haseeb Jamil on Unsplash.

Communities

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report shows residents report easy access to recreational areas and feel they are important, though a national gap in access exists.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that Aberdeen metro area residents invest more in their community than residents of other urban areas. The findings also show that while Aberdeen residents report easy access to recreational areas, national data may suggest that racial and economic disparities in accessing these areas may exist in urban communities such as Greater Aberdeen.

Here are other key Aberdeen findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • Many Greater Aberdeen residents invest more back into their community than the national average. Fifty-nine percent volunteered for a local group or organization in the last year, compared to the national average of 45%. And 78% of Aberdeen residents donated to local organizations. 
  • Most residents (90%) have easy access to recreational areas, above the national average (85%). 
  • Nationally, this study found that while recreational areas ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study shows that Aberdeen residents are not only connected, but invested in their community,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Aberdeen can continue to build on this positive momentum by working to connect Northern State University to the larger community through continued investment in shared recreation spaces, which will create even more resident attachment and increase the vibrancy of local life.” 

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Aberdeen — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The Aberdeen data reveals how attached local residents are to the Aberdeen metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by Shaojie on Unsplash.

The Knight Foundation-commissioned report also reveals while most residents feel these amenities are important, a national gap in access to safe spaces exist along racial and economic lines.

LONG BEACH, CA – A new groundbreaking study commissioned by Knight Foundation and conducted by the Urban Institute finds that most Long Beach metro area residents choose to live in the area for quality of life, but lack access to and safe places to live, work and play. Nationally, the report found that racial and economic disparities in accessing these amenities may exist in urban communities such as Greater Long Beach.

Here are other key Long Beach findings from “Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live,”: 

  • While most Greater Long Beach residents (40%) choose to live in the area for quality of life, only 29% of Long Beach metro area residents say they have access to affordable housing, below the 50% national average. 
  • When it comes to safe places to live, work and play, only 64% of Long Beach residents report easy access. This is far below the national average of 77%. 
  • Nationally, this study found that while safe spaces ultimately could create more attachment between residents and their community, low-income residents and residents of color often feel that these amenities are less accessible to them than higher-income, white residents.

“This study illustrates that while residents choose to live in Long Beach for its quality of life, there are opportunities to create paths to affordable housing and public safety,” said Lilly Weinberg, Knight’s senior director of community and national initiatives. “Having safe places to live, work, and play are critical to developing a strong connection between residents and their community.”

Conducted prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Community Ties leverages a survey of over 11,000 Americans residing in metro areas across the country — including Long Beach — to create one of the richest datasets on what drives attachment to place. 

  • Those with access to quality of life amenities such as arts, recreational areas and safe places to live, work and play reported a deeper attachment to their community, compared with those who did not.
  • The Long Beach data reveals how attached local residents are to the Long Beach metro area and where gaps in access exist across urban amenities. It offers points of consideration for such leaders such as boosting time in the city, focusing on quality of life and paying attention to issues of equity, to strengthen residents’ ties to their communities.

As cities plan for a post-COVID-19 world and reckon with racial justice, the report provides knowledge for public officials and other community leaders to help make cities more resilient, urban public spaces more equitable, and think anew about how to build places where people want to live, work, play and stay. 

To see how your city compares in different areas with other Knight communities and the national averages, go to our interactive website. 

For interviews, please contact Alexa Lamanna at [email protected] or 202-320-2766.

# # #

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.

About Urban Institute  

The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

Image (top) by LinkedIn on Unsplash.

Communities

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live