Akron, Ohio - MSA
The information in our study covers the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area.
In each community, the Knight Soul of the Community study identified factors that emotionally attach residents to where they live 
Community Strengths & Weaknesses
How to read the motion chart?
The chart below examines the drivers for community attachment (Basic Services, Economy, Safety, Leadership, Education, Aesthetics, Social Offerings, Openness, Social Capital, Civic Involvement).
November 16, 2010
'People in Akron are passionate about openness, beauty, social life more than leadership, safety'
From Akron WKSU-FM Public Radio News, Nov. 16, 2010:
A new study of Akron and 25 other cities shows what people are passionate about in their communities. The three-year “Soul of Community” study focused on places where John S. and James L. Knight were passionate about their newspapers. The Gallup and Knight Foundation concluded people in Akron are passionate about openness and beauty and social life more than leadership and safety. Gallup researcher Katherine Laughlin says the survey offers new approaches for communities to organize themselves for economic growth.
November 15, 2010
'New research: If you love your town, prosperity follows'
From The Christian Science Monitor:
If you sometimes stop and wonder why you donate to your local school’s annual fundraiser, help plant trees on your town’s main drag or offer free hot cocoa at every street fair, the answer is because you're either very generous or you know what's good for your local economy.
November 14, 2010
How can communities use a new Gallup-Knight survey to avoid brain drain?
In this interview, Knight Foundation consultant Katherine Loflin talks about real steps communities can take – from widening sidewalks to improving a city’s social venues – to help residents become more attached to where they live. As a result, communities can become more attractive to young, college-educated workers that cities need to continue to thrive, said Loflin, whose remarks stem from the findings of the Soul of the Community survey.
Discover the soul of your community
Great schools, affordable health care and safe streets all help create strong communities. But is there something deeper that draws people to a city – that makes them want to put down roots and build a life?
Downloads - Akron, Ohio - MSA
Latest SOTC Chatter
- We visited Corpus Christi, Texas, last week for a presentation to the mayor and community. Here's how it went http://is.gd/rQrwwo #SOTC
- Via Corpus Christi Caller Times: Soul of the Community presentation takes a look at value of place http://is.gd/7iLQ7e #SOTC
- Attending the Soul of the Community meeting in #Corpus Christi tonight? Use the hashtag #SOTC. Comments on our Facebook http://is.gd/TE7N0H
- Looking for more about the @Knightfdn Soul of the Community #Miami report? This short video summarizes http://is.gd/yz1jBK
- Looking for the #Miami Soul of the Community report? Direct link here http://is.gd/trhqCe #SOTC
- #SOTC study by @knightfdn presented in today's Miami-Dade State of the County address. Clip begins at 10m 50s http://is.gd/riT3BR
- Openness, social offerings and education systems attach Detroiters to the city. Resident attachment in #Detroit http://is.gd/Pkj5Y5 #SOTC
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- See our report on community attachment in #Detroit from the 2010 Gallup-Knight Soul of the Community study http://is.gd/f9tfwU #SOTC
- .@ChryslerAutos #SB45 commerical "Imported From Detroit" impresses http://bit.ly/ChryslerSB45 #SOTC www.soulofthecommunity.org/detroit
