What to know
Your community can incorporate any of the indicators for your own redevelopment plans. Built environment indicators: Measure the implementation of activities and achievement of outcomes related to the physical parts of where we live and work (homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, parks, and infrastructure).
Built Environment Indicators
Indicator
Definition
Data Source
Walkability
The extent to which the built environment promotes the ability to walk to areas of living, shopping, working, playing, visiting, and spending time
Number of abandoned properties
The count of commercial, industrial, residential, unknown, and other types of abandoned properties in a community area
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data Example of city data access
Type of abandoned properties
The zoning designation or category of abandoned property: Commercial, industrial, residential, unknown, and other type of property
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data
Size of abandoned properties
Measurement (e.g. square feet or acres) of abandoned properties
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data
Condition of abandoned properties
The physical state of abandoned properties, such as deteriorated, boarded, hazardous (e.g., drums, lead-based paint, physical hazards, other), secured (fenced or locked), ready for reuse, or other condition
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data
Number of vacant buildings put back in beneficial use
Number of vacant/abandoned buildings put back into a functional use that contributes value to the community
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data
Number of new construction permits
The count of new construction permits designated for redevelopment of land reuse sites
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data
Locations of new construction permits
The physical addresses or locations of land reuse properties with new construction permits for reuse
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data
Size of green space or recreational areas (trails, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, other)
Measurement (e.g. square feet or acres) of land area with grass, trees, or other vegetation dedicated to recreation or general aesthetic purpose
Main source: City/county mapping data EnviroAtlas (US EPA)
ParkScore®
Type of green space or recreational areas (trails, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, other)
Description of the types of spaces dedicated for recreation or general aesthetic purpose
Main source: City/county mapping data EnviroAtlas (US EPA)
ParkScore®
Number of green spaces or recreational areas (trails, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, other)
Count of areas of land with grass, trees, or other vegetation dedicated to recreation or general aesthetic purpose
Main source: City/county mapping data EnviroAtlas (US EPA)
ParkScore®
Usage of green space or recreational areas (trails, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, other)
The number of people using green space or recreational areas (trails, parks, playgrounds)
Visual surveillance/count at different times of day Monitors such as trail traffic calculators or apps (e.g. Rails to Trails)
Number of structures/lots demolished
Count of structures and lots demolished for redevelopment
Internal city/county/town data
Number of structures/lots cleaned up and redeveloped
Count of structures and lots that are redeveloped, repurposed, reused
Internal city/county/town data
Number of community gardens
Count of community gardens that exist in a community. This information is often collected to address food access concerns.
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data Community Gardening Resources
APA Policy Guide on Community and Regional Food Planning
Number of farmers markets
Count of farmers markets that exist in a community. This information is often collected to address food access concerns.
Internal county/city/town or non-profit data United States Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Search
Food security (e.g. data from U.S. Department of Agriculture re: food security)
Access for all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life