It speaks to the strength of the local economy, the state of diversity and inclusion, as well as the level of social cohesion and social capital in a community.

Belonging is more than merely a “welcoming” stance for current and new residents. When you belong, you hear more than just “come on in.” Someone remembers your life and asks how your mother’s operation went, or whether your roof is still leaking. Belonging means you’ve got a key to the house, a regular order at the restaurant, a seat on the board. You have a network that trusts, recruits you, and supports you. They sit with you at the hospital and help you find the right roofer.

When a community fails to create an environment where people feel that they belong, the people, along with their ideas, impact, and contribution, leave. This results in financial impact and lost cachet for the city (or organization), making it more difficult to attract new talented contributors.