Will Your Town/City Exist In 2030?

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1. Another sign/generator of social cohesion:  Do any largely volunteer organizations exist in your town that provide the following:--food pantries/soup kitchens--crisis help lines/crisis counseling--services to youth--services to elderly--community gardens/farms--home building/home repair(Note: they can have some professional staff, but most of the labor is provided by volunteers. It's the volunteering that creates the social cohesion.)

Explanation

The answer "Yes, people do this sort of thing in my town" suggests that there are largely volunteer organizations in the town that provide various services such as food pantries, crisis help lines, services to youth and elderly, community gardens, and home building or repair. These organizations rely on volunteers to carry out their activities, which indicates a sense of community and social cohesion as individuals come together to support and help one another.

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About This Quiz
Will Your Town/City Exist In 2030? - Quiz

Do you fret about the future of your town? Do you wake up in the middle of the night wondering if you might soon be living in a... see moreghost town of yore, tumbleweeds rolling through your athletic stadiums, your streets corroded into asphalt chunks, your nail salons and KFC's completely stripped of equipment? Lo, be ye not afraid of zombies. They are the least of your worries. It is the tumultuous forces of finance, environment, population, economics and energy that will bounce and jostle our fair burgs, sifting the sustainable wheat from the unsustainable chaff. How will your town fare? Take the quiz!
(photo: Mike LoCascio, wikicommons) see less

2. Does your town have any of these signs/generators of social cohesion?--field sports leagues for adults as well as youth?--a community newspaper of website with local news that is widely read?--community murals/artwork by local residents?--a public library?--a community college within town limits?--community bulletin boards?--auctions, pancake breakfasts or other fundraisers for non-profits?--performances by local musicians?--weekly farmer's markets or annual public festivals?--If you live in a very small town, do you at least have Fourth of July parades with kids riding decorated bikes? 

Explanation

The answer suggests that the town has at least three signs/generators of social cohesion mentioned in the question. Although the specific signs/generators are not mentioned, it implies that the town has a good level of community engagement and activities that promote social cohesion.

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3. File:Main Street Concord 6.JPG(photo: AlexiusHoratius, Wikicommons)On to economics. Did your town exist a hundred years ago? (Does it have an historic reason for existence?)

Explanation

The correct answer is "Yep, we were here." This answer suggests that the town existed a hundred years ago and has a historic reason for its existence. It implies that the town has a long-standing history and was not just established after World War II like the other option suggests.

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4. File:Anacortes Refinery 31904.JPG(photo: Walter Siegmund, Wikicommons) Does more than 20% of your state's economy (tax revenue and/or jobs) rely on extracting,shipping, processing or refining coal, oil or natural gas?

Explanation

The answer is "No, my state's economy is diverse and will not be devastated by reduced fossil fuel use." This answer suggests that the state in question has a diverse economy that is not heavily reliant on the extraction, shipping, processing, or refining of coal, oil, or natural gas. Therefore, if there were to be a reduction in fossil fuel use, it would not have a devastating impact on the state's economy.

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5. Does your town have fewer than 30 days a year of high heat (over 105 degrees) and fewer than ten days a year of extreme heat (over 110 degrees)?

Explanation

The correct answer is "Yes (most of the country)" because the question asks if the town has fewer than 30 days a year of high heat (over 105 degrees) and fewer than ten days a year of extreme heat (over 110 degrees). The statement "Yes (most of the country)" implies that most towns in the country do not experience high heat or extreme heat for more than the specified number of days, suggesting that the town in question also falls into this category.

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6. Is the Federal Government the largest industry in your state?

Explanation

The correct answer is "No, how is it possible for the Federal Government to be a state's largest industry?" This answer is correct because the question asks if the Federal Government is the largest industry in a state, and the answer correctly points out that it is not possible for the Federal Government to be considered an industry within a state. The Federal Government is a governing body that operates at the national level and is not specific to any particular state.

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7. Are at least half the businesses in your town small businesses run by someone who lives in the town? (Take a guess.)

Explanation

The given answer suggests that it is possible for at least half of the businesses in the town to be small businesses run by someone who lives in the town. This is based on the fact that the town has a lot of small shops and service providers.

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8. Let's examine food security.--Can food be grown year round in your town, either due to mild climate or greenhouses/hoop tunnels?--Are there at least four fruit trees in your neighborhood?--Is it legal to raise chickens in your town?--Could your town easily get most of its calories from food grown within a hundred mile radius?--Do community gardens, community farms, community food forests exist in or near your town?--Is there a Food Not Lawns movement in your town?

Explanation

The correct answer "I can say yes to at least two" suggests that the person answering the question can affirmatively respond to at least two of the given statements regarding food security. The answer implies that the person's town either has a mild climate or greenhouses/hoop tunnels for year-round food production, and there are at least four fruit trees in their neighborhood. This indicates that the town has some level of food self-sufficiency and access to fresh produce.

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9. If your town is unable to sustainably provide water to its population right now, is it within 20 miles of a large body of salt water and wealthy enough to desalinate?

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that if a town is unable to sustainably provide water to its population, but is located within 20 miles of a large body of salt water and is wealthy enough to desalinate, then it is possible to address the water scarcity issue by desalinating the salt water. Although this solution would be expensive, it is feasible. The statement also humorously acknowledges that the question may be irrelevant for towns that already have enough water supply.

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10. File:Pink knitting in front of pink sweatshirt.JPG(photo: Johntex, wikicommons)Let's look at the skills/ingenuity your town possesses. Do you personally know someone who:--keeps chickens, goats or bees?--brews beer, cider or root beer, or makes homemade wine?--can knit a sock or a sweater?--can make a loaf of bread or a pie?--can weld?--can make vinegars, jams, pickles or other canned items?--owns a set of woodworking tools?--is always inventing stuff?--is clever with repairs or electronics?--can build a simple structure like a shed?--can repair a flat tire on a bicycle?--can sew something easy, like pajama bottoms? Or makes quilts? 

Explanation

The given correct answer indicates that the person answering the question personally knows at least five individuals in their town who possess the mentioned skills and ingenuity. This suggests that the town has a diverse range of talented and resourceful individuals who are capable of various tasks such as keeping animals, brewing beverages, crafting, repairing, and more. The answer also implies that the person values and appreciates the practical abilities of their acquaintances.

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11. Do the citizens of your town have reason to have affection for it? Do they seem to take pride in it? (Citizens of such towns will be less likely to pick up and leave if the going gets tough.)--Could the core of your town in any way be called charming?--Do you see people greeting each other in your town's core or in the neighborhood shopping districts?--Would you be comfortable letting a twelve year old spend an hour alone in your town's core area at noon?--Is there good public access to nature/hiking trails/bike trails/beach/river/other water feature within your town?--Have some families lived in your town for multiple generations?--Does your town have any history of bouncing back from a tough time?--Do people grow flowers in their front yards or in pots on their front steps?--Is there any view of your town that would make an attractive postcard?--When citizens of your town are asked where they're from, do they tell the truth?

Explanation

If the answer is "Yes to four or more," it indicates that the citizens of the town have reasons to have affection for it and take pride in it. The positive responses to questions about the town's charm, people greeting each other, safety for children, access to nature, multi-generational families, resilience, and attractive views suggest that the town is a desirable place to live. This sense of attachment and pride makes the citizens less likely to leave during difficult times.

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12. (photo: streetsblog.org)Look at an overhead Google Earth view of your town core. Is more space dedicated to buildings or to surface parking lots?

Explanation

The correct answer is "Buildings." When looking at an overhead Google Earth view of a town core, if more space is dedicated to buildings than to surface parking lots, it means that the town prioritizes development and infrastructure for various purposes such as residential, commercial, or cultural activities. This indicates a focus on creating vibrant and functional urban spaces rather than allocating excessive land for parking.

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13. File:Shasta Lake low.JPG (photo: Bobjgalindo, Wikicommons)Since I live in California, the first predictive factor I'll bring up is the big kahuna:  water. Can your town come up with at least 35 gallons of water/person/day sustainably over the next decade? Is it already have trouble doing so? (With stringent conservation, greywater systems and rain catchment, people can live pretty well on this amount.)

Explanation

The explanation for the given answer is that the town mentioned in the question has an abundant supply of water. The statement mentions that they have lawns and do not feel guilty about taking long showers, indicating that water scarcity is not an issue in their area. This suggests that the town is able to sustainably provide at least 35 gallons of water per person per day, as mentioned in the question.

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14. https://www.personal.psu.edu/staff/r/p/rpt117/sra211/national_rail_map.jpgTransportation by rail is the most energy efficient and can be converted the most easily to electricity. Is your town on any kind of heavy rail line such as:--a heavy rail rapid transit system (like BART in the Bay Area, the Washington Metro, or the New York City Subway system.)--a commuter rail line--a freight line still running through town that could possibly be converted to passenger use--an Amtrak line passes through town.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the town is either on a heavy rail line or within five miles of one. This is because transportation by rail is the most energy efficient and can be easily converted to electricity. Being located near a heavy rail line provides the town with the opportunity to utilize this energy-efficient mode of transportation.

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15. Do you know the first names of at least four of your neighbors?

Explanation

The correct answer is "Yes, you're kidding, right?" because the question asks if you know the first names of at least four of your neighbors. The response implies that it is unlikely or sarcastic to know the first names of four neighbors, suggesting that the person does not know the names.

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16. What best describes the center/core of your town. (One might call it the heart of your town. Its psychological center.)

Explanation

The correct answer describes a large city with a business-centered downtown area and vibrant shopping districts in the neighborhoods that serve as secondary cores. Alternatively, for smaller towns or cities, the answer mentions the presence of one to ten downtown blocks with various establishments like shops, services, restaurants, and coffee shops. This explanation highlights the different scenarios that can represent the center or core of a town, either through a bustling downtown or a compact area with diverse amenities.

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17. Amazing stat 1--In the US, for people between the ages of 20 and 65, alcohol is responsible for one death in ten. (Via car crashes, violence, breast cancer, liver disease, heart disease. 70% of those deaths happen to men.)Amazing stat 2--Americans make up 5% of the world's population and consume 75% of the world's pharmaceuticals.Amazing stat 3--30% of American women take tranquilizers.Amazing stat 4--having fellow citizens who are by and large clear-headed, healthy, responsible, and used to pulling their weight and contributing to the greater good (either via their family or their community) is going to the make the probability of your town surviving much higher.Do you live in one of these "top" states? (Check all that apply.)

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

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18. File:Seattle port cranes 01.jpg(photo: Joe Mabel, Wikicommons)Is your town traditionally a fishing town, a farming town (and still surrounded by farms), a regional market/trade town or a port of any kind?

Explanation

The answer suggests that the town has a history of being involved in fishing, farming, regional commerce, or trade via shipping. It also implies that these economic activities are expected to continue in the future.

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19. Is it possible to live in your town year around without air conditioning?

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that it is possible to live in the town year-round without air conditioning. This is supported by the options provided, such as shade trees, ceiling fans, and whole house fans, which can help to cool down the living environment without the need for an air conditioner.

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20. Are there dead malls or dead strip malls within your town's incorporated limits?

Explanation

The answer suggests that there are no dead malls or dead strip malls within the town's incorporated limits. It states that the existing malls are either active, torn down, creatively repurposed for other uses, or the town never had any malls to begin with. This implies that the town has effectively managed its malls, ensuring their continuous use or finding alternative ways to utilize the space.

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21. File:Ashtabulacoalcars e2.jpgDoes your town have any of its energy sources brought in by truck, rail, or ship? (Besides gasoline, let's say.)

Explanation

The correct answer is "No, we get electrons via wires, natural gas via pipes, and if we use wood, we get it from real close by." This answer states that the town does not rely on truck, rail, or ship to bring in energy sources like wood, propane, or coal. Instead, they obtain electrons through wires, natural gas through pipes, and locally sourced wood. This suggests that the town has a reliable and efficient system for obtaining its energy sources without the need for external transportation methods.

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22. oaklandIn your town:Are there sidewalks connecting most residences to your town's core?Are there bike lanes in your town, at least enough to form a useful grid to get around?Do people hang out in your town's core just for fun on a sunny Saturday afternoon?Do you see small children in strollers and dogs on leashes in your town core?Does your town core have an outdoor common gathering space?Does your town core have an indoor common gathering space? 

Explanation

The answer "We have three or more of these going for us" suggests that the town being referred to has at least three or more positive attributes mentioned in the previous statements. These attributes include sidewalks connecting residences to the town's core, bike lanes forming a useful grid, people hanging out in the town's core for fun on weekends, the presence of small children and dogs in the town core, and the existence of both outdoor and indoor common gathering spaces. This indicates that the town has a vibrant street life and a sense of community.

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23. Almost every town spends money on public safety, education, water, sewer, roads, and, above a certain size, transportation. But the cost of providing these services per citizen expands the more spread out your population is. Many towns are already beleaguered by debt and falling tax revenues; most haven't set aside funds to repair sewer or water systems when the time comes.Think of your town core. Depending upon your town's population, supporting sewer, water and public safety services (and for larger towns school buses and public transit) is going to be quite expensive beyond the following radii:1 mile (populations under 10,000)2 miles (populations 10,000 - 30,000)3 miles (populations 30,000 - 100,000)4 mile (populations 100,000 - 250,000)5 miles (populations 250,000 - 400,000)5 - 7 miles (populations 400,000+)

Explanation

The correct answer explains that more than two-thirds of the population lives within the specified radius, which means that the majority of the population is concentrated in a smaller area. This suggests that the town can prioritize and allocate resources more efficiently to provide essential services such as sewer, water, and public safety to the majority of its citizens. Although some areas on the periphery may need to be abandoned, overall the town can still function adequately.

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24. S1900(1).jpgRoads are expensive to maintain, especially when it's likely in the future states and localities will have to shoulder 100% of the burden of their roads themselves. How many lane-miles of road per person does your state have?

Explanation

The answer states that states with less than 200 feet/capita of road per person can afford the roads they have, as long as they don't build many more. It also mentions that they will spend less than 10% of their state tax revenue on maintaining these roads. The list of states included in this category suggests that these states have a relatively low population density or a well-managed road infrastructure that requires less maintenance.

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25. Now, let's look at how energy intensive your state's overall way of life is, another predictor of long-term viability. Let's examine total energy use per person from all sources (oil, gas, coal, renewables, et al) for all uses (residential, commerce, industry, transportation) expressed in the equivalent kilowatt hours/person/day. Find your state below. (2012 EIA data)

Explanation

The answer states that the way of life in the listed states is reasonable in terms of energy consumption, with each person using under 200 kilowatt hours per day. It also mentions that some states use slightly more energy, between 200 and 230 kilowatt hours per day, but asks for understanding in this case. The explanation does not include "The correct answer is" statement.

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26. File:Circus Circus Casino.jpg(photo: Carole J Buckwalter, Wikicommons) Does more than twenty percent of your town's economy rely on tourism, medical tourism, skiing, snowbirds, gambling, producing the latest expensive electronic toy, or the sale of knickknacks, jewelry or home decor (all of which are luxuries that may well disappear or at least become scarce)? Or, if your town is a college town, is the college already struggling financially?

Explanation

The correct answer states that the economy does not rely on luxury items, luxury experiences, or a struggling college. This means that the town's economy is not heavily dependent on industries that are prone to fluctuations or potential instability. Instead, the economy is likely based on more stable and reliable sectors, which can contribute to its overall sustainability and resilience.

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27. Do you know of local small businesses in your town that have received crowdfunding in order to start up?

Explanation

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28. How healthy/unhealthy are your town's politics?

Explanation

The given answer implies that the town described in the previous statements has a dysfunctional and unhealthy political environment. The answer suggests that the town being compared to is relatively better in terms of its politics, indicating that it is more rational and functional compared to the negative aspects mentioned in the previous statements.

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29. In the last thirty years, has nature struck your town in a way that damaged more than a thousand homes/buildings? Or, over the next ten years, is there at least a 50% probability that such an event will occur due to (check all that apply):

Explanation

The correct answer states that none of the listed events (storm surge, river flood, tornado, earthquake, hurricane) have struck the town in a way that damaged more than a thousand homes/buildings in the last thirty years. Additionally, it suggests that the town is not vulnerable to these events because they have either engineered their buildings, rivers, or built seawalls to protect themselves from potential damage.

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30. Https://www.governing.com/gov-data/census/median-age-county-population-map.htmlMedian ages across the country are going up as baby boomers, the 1000 lb gorillas of the population demographic, ages. However, some counties are able to keep very few of their young people around, which doesn't bode well for their future. In addition, in the future, people are likely to retire in place near their families and long-term communities rather than resettle. What is the median age for your county? (If you don't know, click on the above link that will take you to an interactive map of US counties.)

Explanation

The correct answer is "Under 40. We're in good shape." This is because the passage states that some counties are unable to keep many young people around, which implies that having a lower median age is preferable for the future of the county. Additionally, the statement "We're in good shape" suggests that having a median age under 40 is seen as positive and indicates a healthier population demographic.

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31. Are any of these true for your town?--80% of the citizens live within a mile of a grocery store.--More than half the children walk or bike to school--Over a quarter of your town's citizens already walk, bike, or take transit for most trips.--People walk or bike most trips under a mile. 

Explanation

The answer "At least one of the above is true" is correct because the statement implies that there is at least one statement among the given options that is true for the town. It does not specify which statement is true, but it confirms that there is at least one true statement among them.

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32. What is the winter heating situation like for your town?

Explanation

The explanation for the given answer is that the town either does not experience winter or has a severe winter, but the residents have taken measures to insulate and seal their homes effectively. They also utilize energy-efficient heating methods such as air-sourced or ground-sourced heat pumps, passive solar, or high-efficiency wood stoves. As a result, their heating bills are low.

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33. File:GreenMountainWindFarm Fluvanna 2004.jpg(photo: Leaflet, Wikicommons) Now we look at energy. Some states are already on the path to energy resilience and produce a substantial amount of the electricity that they consume from renewables + hydroelectricity. How is your state doing? Find it below.90 - 100% Amazing! Washington, Montana and Oregon60-70% Excellent! Maine, South Dakota50 - 60% Really very good. North Dakota and Idaho30 - 40% Getting there! New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, Wyoming20 - 30% On the Path. Alaska, California, Kansas, New York, Oklahoma0 - 20% Much work to do. All the rest of the states.

Explanation

The answer states that the person's state is above 20% renewables plus hydro, indicating that their state produces a significant amount of electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Alternatively, even if their state is not above 20%, the person mentions that their town has a municipal utility that gets over 20% of its electricity from renewables + hydro, which still contributes to sustainability efforts. This response shows awareness and pride in their state or town's commitment to renewable energy.

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34. Last question! This one is almost as important as the water one.  What percentage of your working age population commutes to work by car more than 20 miles each way?

Explanation

The answer "Less than 25%. This means people won't have to choose between living in our town and keeping their job" suggests that a low percentage of the working age population commutes to work by car more than 20 miles each way. This is seen as a positive because it means that people do not have to make a difficult choice between living in the town and keeping their job. It implies that there are job opportunities within close proximity to the town or that alternative transportation options are available.

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35. Does your town have any of the following symptoms of lack of social cohesion?--You personally know someone in your town who has been mugged.--Women feel uncomfortable walking alone at 9pm.--People with matted hair and missing teeth wander the streets shouting obscenities.--On Sunday mornings parents have to clear playgrounds of needles and/or beer bottles before their children can play.--You have seen emaciated meth addicts in your town.--Prostitutes hang out on corners you routinely pass by.--You know of someone (first or secondhand) in your town who has died of a heroin overdose.--Your town has issues with gangs, vandalism or graffiti--Your town has higher rates of domestic violence or child abuse than the national average. 

Explanation

The correct answer indicates that the town does not have any of the symptoms of lack of social cohesion mentioned in the question. This suggests that the town does not have issues such as muggings, women feeling uncomfortable walking alone at night, presence of drug addicts or prostitutes, drug overdoses, gang problems, domestic violence, or child abuse. The answer implies that the town is relatively safe and free from these social issues.

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Another sign/generator of social cohesion:  Do any largely...
Does your town have any of these signs/generators of social...
(photo: AlexiusHoratius, Wikicommons)On to economics. Did your town...
(photo: Walter Siegmund, Wikicommons) Does more than 20% of your...
Does your town have fewer than 30 days a year of high heat (over 105...
Is the Federal Government the largest industry in your state?
Are at least half the businesses in your town small businesses run by...
Let's examine food security.--Can food be grown year round in your...
If your town is unable to sustainably provide water to its population...
(photo: Johntex, wikicommons)Let's look at the skills/ingenuity...
Do the citizens of your town have reason to have affection for it? Do...
(photo: streetsblog.org)Look at an overhead Google Earth view of your...
(photo: Bobjgalindo, Wikicommons)Since I live in California, the first...
Transportation by rail is the most energy efficient and can be...
Do you know the first names of at least four of your neighbors?
What best describes the center/core of your town. (One might call it...
Amazing stat 1--In the US, for people between the ages of 20 and 65,...
(photo: Joe Mabel, Wikicommons)Is your town traditionally a fishing...
Is it possible to live in your town year around without air...
Are there dead malls or dead strip malls within your town's...
Does your town have any of its energy sources brought in by truck,...
In your town:Are there sidewalks connecting most residences to your...
Almost every town spends money on public safety, education, water,...
Roads are expensive to maintain, especially when it's likely in...
Now, let's look at how energy intensive your state's overall...
(photo: Carole J Buckwalter, Wikicommons) Does more than twenty...
Do you know of local small businesses in your town that have received...
How healthy/unhealthy are your town's politics?
In the last thirty years, has nature struck your town in a way that...
Https://www.governing.com/gov-data/census/median-age-county-population-map.htmlMedian...
Are any of these true for your town?--80% of the citizens live within...
What is the winter heating situation like for your town?
(photo: Leaflet, Wikicommons) Now we look at energy. Some states...
Last question! This one is almost as important as the water one. ...
Does your town have any of the following symptoms of lack of social...
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