Getting set to map North County
By: Gary Knight - For the North County Times
Saturday, March 1, 2008

In communities across the country, it is not uncommon for local leaders and citizens to assemble together to try to make their community an even better place in which to live. Unfortunately, the beginning point for these discussions is usually focused on the various problems and concerns existing in the community.

In the end, what is produced is a detailed list of all the problems being experienced by the local residents. The list might include concerns regarding education, the availability of health services, transportation and other infrastructure problems, inadequate child care services, limited availability of jobs that pay a decent wage or any number of other issues.

Another approach to this process is to start with a survey of the regional assets available and then look at how these can be utilized. That's not to suggest that communities should try to sweep all their problems under the rug.

What it does indicate is the best way to effectively address the challenges that face communities and provide knowledge of the resources available to work on local issues.

A comprehensive asset mapping initiative will provide a deep understanding of the key networks and cultural attitudes that shape the regional economy and indicate "gap" areas that require further investment. It will also provide a baseline by which to judge future progress toward regional prosperity. Such an effort requires significant research to assess the impact of regional assets ---- human, financial, institutional, and natural among others ---- on the innovation and productivity that ultimately drive the prosperity of local citizens.

Asset mapping aggregates the knowledge possessed by a few individuals and makes it available to others who may conceive of new ways to leverage the assets. A visual resource map, prepared as part of the mapping process, can help demonstrate to stakeholders that they work within a regional "community." As leaders see common interests and organizational links, they may be inspired to strengthen or form partnerships.

The San Diego North Economic Development Council will begin the process of asset mapping the resources of San Diego North shortly and we expect the project to take approximately three years. This is a giant undertaking, but one that our board of directors feels is vitally important to the sustainable growth of this region. I will be writing more about this over the next few months and will be asking for your help.