| Indicators and performance measures have become an important
element in the evolution of policy initiatives relating to sustainability and to
reinvention of government. This article reviews the research and practice of
indicators and summarizes several key lessons from this review. One of the key
lessons is that, to be useful, indicators must be developed with the participation of
those who will use and learn from them. |
The article then proposes a strategy for community indicators
based upon the conception that cities are like living organisms functioning as a complex
adaptive system. Three types of indicators are needed. System performance
indicators are required to provide feedback about the overall health of a community or
region. Policy and program measures are required to provide policy makers with
feedback about the operation of specific programs and policies. |
Rapid feedback indicators are required to assist individuals
and businesses to make more sustainable decisions on a day-to-day basis. There is no
formula for how to develop a system of indicators. Each community and region should
develop a system based upon their own circumstances and needs. |
