October 14, 2024
Out of the BBR: the NC Community Resiliency Index
In the wake of the social, educational, and economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, North Carolina has been making strides toward a better understanding of community resilience. Spearheading these efforts are Drs. Rowe and Taylor, working out of the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) at East Carolina University. The team has played a pivotal role in developing the North Carolina Community Resilience Index, a tool designed to evaluate and strengthen the resilience of the state’s communities.
The index, which emerged as a key resource for the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO), integrates many variables across nine critical dimensions of community resilience. These include socioeconomic factors, healthcare access, local government fiscal health, communication infrastructure, and education, among others. Developed with input from various academic and state agency partners, the index provides a comprehensive measure of a community’s ability to withstand and adapt to disruptions.
“Our goal was to create an index that not only identifies areas of strength but also pinpoints gaps where additional support and resources are needed,” said Dr. Taylor. “This index helps us understand the unique resilience challenges faced by each county, which is crucial for targeted interventions and sustainable recovery.”
North Carolina Community Resilience Index
The index is designed to inform how federal recovery funds are allocated throughout the state in the event of a disruption. The index’s sophisticated approach allows for an in-depth analysis of community needs, facilitating data-driven decisions for economic recovery and planning.
With its data-driven insights, the index aims to ensure a more resilient North Carolina, prepared for future challenges. The tool has already shown significant promise in helping communities adapt and rebuild, reflecting the BBR’s commitment to enhancing resilience through academic and policy-driven frameworks.
The work of Drs. Rowe and Taylor exemplifies the vital intersection of research and public policy, making a tangible difference in the lives of North Carolinians. As the state continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the resilience index serves as a resource of informed, community-focused recovery.
For more information on the North Carolina Resilience Index, contact Dr. Taylor at taylore17@ecu.edu or visit https://ncpro.nc.gov/north-carolina-economic-resilience-index.
The Bureau of Business Research is one of the five centers that make up the COB’s Office of Expert Services.