The Vitality Index™

When you measure variables not normally measured, when you analyze data not normally analyzed, when you ask questions not normally asked, then you begin to grind a new lens with which to examine the issues at hand.

Scope and methodology

The Vitality Index™ posits a framework that encompasses both the language of the technical specialist and the everyday language of the citizen. Its goal is to interpret quality-of-life or “vitality factors” with the same kind of rigor that is applied to demographic statistics. It is flexible and allows for change and growth. It can be revisited over the life of a project or plan to ensure that government and developers are in touch with a community’s interests.

The CCI Vitality Index™ (VI) is customized to cities’ and projects needs and requirements. It is an objective, computer-modeled analysis that incorporates input based on a city’s values and aspirations. It begins with demographics including trends, costs, services, and measures of creative infrastructure which result in a ranking. From there, the assessment is further refined and made specific to each city, community or project through responses to questionnaires from their relevant governments or agencies. Currently over 50 U.S. cities are included in The Vitality Index™ and will be ranked according to their performance against each other.

How to use The Vitality Index™

The VI can be used as a comparable benchmark, demonstrating aspects of a how a successful city thrives with its culture. Coupled with on-the-ground assessments with communities, the VI can assist cities with policy and investment decisions, focus on new infrastructure and community developments, devise new business and tourist attraction approaches, encourage community interaction, and build consensus. It can help uncover opportunities, stimulate and test new ideas.

The Vitality Index™ is expected to debut in the Spring of 2010. Future editions of the VI will include international cities from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.