About the Protocol

Commitments

Twenty-two Commitments organized into five priority areas to help communities define success and measure progress:

  • Belonging

    Vibrant and inclusive communities

  • Opportunity

    Thriving and upwardly mobile communities

  • Wellbeing

    Joyful and healthy communities

  • Mobility

    Vibrant and inclusive communities

  • Environment

    Thriving and upwardly mobile communities

Download the Commitments Matrix

Browse Commitments by Priority

1

Civic Participation

Nurture and expand civic knowledge, democratic processes, and opportunities for people to engage, build shared values, and work towards common purpose
2

Housing Access

Ensure all residents have stable and affordable housing options
3

Culture & Identity

Celebrate and honor cultural diversity and heritage and provide space for individual expression
4

Local Economy / Entrepreneurship

Support and grow local businesses and services that meet the needs of the community
5

Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities
6

Employment & Workforce

Promote full and productive employment and economic opportunity
7

Digital Connectivity

Provide access to affordable and reliable broadband services
8

Active Living

Encourage physical activity in everyday life
9

Health

Foster physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being
10

Safety

Ensure people feel secure and respected
11

Parks & Open Space

Ensure access to open spaces and natural areas
12

Food

Provide access to healthy and affordable fresh food
13

Street Network

Increase connectivity and safety of street network
14

Multimodality

Promote walking and cycling, and micro-mobility options
15

Transit

Enhance public transit options and access
16

Electric Vehicles

Accelerate the adoption, access, and affordability of electric vehicles
17

Climate

Commit to net zero carbon emissions and climate resilience.
18

Energy

Increase access to affordable, reliable, and clean (zero carbon) energy.
19

Water

Ensure sustainable water use and management that meets the needs of the community and the environment.
20

Air Quality

Improve air quality and eliminate pollution.
21

Biodiversity & Ecosystem Health

Improve biodiversity and protect and support the ecological functions of water features, soil, and local vegetation.
22

Waste

Commit to zero waste and building a local circular economy.

WHY JUST COMMUNITIES COMMITMENTS?

To help communities get organized, we developed a comprehensive set of metrics to help guide planning and implementation of urban and community development initiatives. The Commitments:

Leverage local data to guide decision making

The Just Communities Commitments help communities see the bigger picture and need for collaboration.

Foster Collaboration

The Just Communities Commitments help communities see the bigger picture and need for collaboration.

Harness local wisdom and experience

The Just Communities Commitments help communities see the bigger picture and need for collaboration.

About the Pillars About the Actions