Much of the public conversation about the health of a community revolves around economics. We hear about development, tax revenue, job growth and rising property values. These factors matter, of course. A stable economy helps communities survive and grow. But if we measure the health of a community only by economic indicators, we risk overlooking something far more important.
A community is not simply an economy. It is a network of relationships, shared responsibilities and collective hopes.
One of the clearest signs of a healthy community is trust. When neighbors trust one another, cooperation becomes possible. People feel comfortable asking for help, offering support and working together to solve common problems. Without trust, even prosperous communities can feel divided and disconnected…