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APPENDICES
Appendix IV: Selected Study Definitions Assessed value Assessed value is the dollar value assigned to a property to measure applicable taxes. This figure is an aggregate for all property within the study area, or for the closest match to the study area for which data is available. Acreage of open space This figure is the total acreage of designated public spaces like parks or plazas; it does not include vacant lots. Census block group A block group is a statistical division of a census tract, generally defined to contain between 600 and 3,000 people, that is used to present data and control block numbering in the decennial census. Census tract A census tract is a small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county or equivalent entity, updated by local participants prior to each decennial census. Creative jobs The study uses the NAICS industry sector of Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation to count creative jobs. Development pipeline Development pipelines include projects very recently completed, currently under construction, and planned for completion within the next three years. Diversity Index The Diversity Index is a measurement of the likelihood that any two randomly selected individuals will be of a different race or ethnicity. The closer the number comes to 100, the more likely the two will be different, indicating diversity. Employment The study uses the LEHD on the Map tool to count “primary jobs.” Distinct from total jobs, primary jobs count only the highest-wage job when an individual holds multiple jobs at a time. This figure may not accurately reflect less traditional types of employment like gig work or small startups.
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Event venue Event venues include spaces typically used for public events such as conferences, conventions, concerts. This metric is somewhat subjective in that data is collected locally, and the downtown determines what qualifies for inclusion. For example, a downtown might include a venue that is largely private but represents a part of the fabric of the event community. Farmers markets The number of farmers markets is a count of both permanent and seasonal farmers markets. Greenhouse gas emissions The Center for Neighborhood Technology’s Housing and Transportation Index includes an estimate of CO2 emissions per household within a given area. Housing and Transportation Index The Housing and Transportation Index, produced by the Center for Neighborhood Technology, measures how much an average household spends on housing and transportation relative to income. This figure demonstrates how urban places often have higher base rents, but much lower transportation costs. Knowledge jobs Knowledge jobs consist of jobs in the NAICS industry sectors of Information; Finance and Insurance; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Management of Companies and Enterprises; and Health Care and Social Assistance. Middle-class This study defines middle-class as between 67% and 200% of area median income. This range was calculated for each downtown based on the median income of the region. Millennial This study defines residents between the ages of 18 and 34 as millennials.
IDA
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The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities
