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 How Can Market Analysis Techniques Be Utilized for Disaster Evacuation Planning?
by Christa Ouderkirk
In many of our downtown retail market analysis projects, we use Tapestry Segmentation from ESRI Business Analyst to determine the characteristics of a particular trade area. Tapestry Segmentation is based on the concept that people with similar demographic characteristics, purchasing habits, and media preferences naturally gravitate toward each other, and into specific communities. Based on demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, and other data, ESRI has divided the map of the U.S. into 65 unique tapestry segments with interesting names such as Rustbelt Retirees, Young and Restless, or Salt of the Earth.
For us here at Camoin Associates, Tapestry Segmentation gives us a clear picture of consumer demands within a well-defined geographic region. We use this information to provide market-based recommendations to the communities we work in about which types of business sectors have the greatest potential for growth. Even when used solely for this purpose, Tapestry Segmentation is a powerful tool; however, it has other great applications for a number of disciplines, including emergency management planning.
To read more about this way that Tapestry Segmentation can be used, click here.
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Using Charrettes as Part of the Planning Process
by Rachel Selsky
More and more communities are looking to involve local residents in their planning process in an effort to incorporate their needs and concerns into development strategies. When I was looking for ways to expand my post-graduate education and improve my public meeting facilitation skills, I was drawn to the NCI Charrette System™ (NCI). This non-profit educational organization based out of Portland Oregon is designed to teach professionals how to effectively engage with the public through collaborative charrettes. I was drawn to this particular training program because it was built around innovative public participation techniques, which I found to be intriguing and very useful in my career.
To learn more about what charrettes are and how you can use them to help you, click here.
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Featured Indicator: NAEP Math Scores for 8th Grade - 2009
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a testing tool used in most school districts across the country and offers a solid measure of a state's education levels overtime. This indicator shows the top 25 states ranked by average scaled score for 8th graders for math scores in the NAEP. Massachusetts leads the nation with an average score of 299; the average score for all of the states is 282. Five of the six New England states rank in the top 25. To learn more about this indicator, please click on the graphic above. |
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Microenterprise Spotlight: Pouring Light Studio Malone NY
by Alison Bates
Microenterprise grant funds are given by the Office of Community Renewal and are intended to help residents either start or expand their micro-business within their Town. The program aims to specifically assist low and moderate income residents (LMI residents) by either giving grants directly to LMI individuals, or to those that plan to create jobs available to LMI residents. Part of the Town of Malone's economic redevelopment strategy is to be welcoming to artists and to build upon the burgeoning artist community. Pouring Light Studio is now able to contribute to that business mix, and to help train the next generation of local artists.
To learn more about how Pouring Light Studio has used this opportunity, click here.
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