SWOTAnalysis Guide Best Practices

Best Practice Strength Weaknesses Opportunities & Threats
Self-Assessment Techniques for Small Florida Cities & Counties
Prepared by Center for Building Better Communities Department of Urban & Regional Planning University of Florida
Prepared for Florida Department of Community Affairs

Contract No 07 DR-85-13-00-05-010
August 31, 2007
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 1: What is a SWOT Analysis? ..................................................................... 5 Chapter 2: Assembly of Data ...................................................................................... 8 Chapter 3: Developing the Community Profile .................................................... 10 Chapter 4: SWOT Scorecards................................................................................... 16 Chapter 5: Opportunities and Threats.................................................................... 21 Chapter 6: Strengths and Weaknesses.................................................................. 24 Chapter 7: Interpreting the Results......................................................................... 31 Chapter 8: Best Practices for Conducting the SWOT Analysis ...................... 33 Appendix ........................................................................................................................ 34
Introduction
Overall Description SWOT analysis is an analytical method used to identify and categorize significant internal (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external (Opportunities and Threats) factors faced by a county or city. It provides information that matches a communitys resources and capabilities to the physical, social, economic and political environment in which it operates. It should not be viewed as a static method with emphasis solely on its output, but rather as a dynamic part of the management, planning and development process. The SWOT analysis techniques described in this guide focus on the opportunities and threats related to land use, growth and related public welfare and quality and the strengths and weaknesses of the communitys planning and growth management capacity as indicated by its comprehensive plan, regulations, programs, practices and supporting resources. SWOT Analysis may be used for a variety of purposes such as: A self assessment to identify issues and priorities for the community; The identification of issues and topics to include in an Evaluation and Appraisal Report; A foundation for a community visioning exercise; or A framework for a rigorous community audit. This Guide is intended to assist small cities, towns, villages and counties in Florida with the application of SWOT analysis. Tools and techniques are provided that can be applied with limited resources and with data derived from readily available and reliable public sources. This Guide is organized into eight chapters: Chapter 1: What is SWOT Analysis? This chapter generally describes the SWOT technique and its application for Florida small cities and counties. Chapter 2: Assembly of Data. This chapter describes available data sources. Chapter 3: SWOT Scorecards. This chapter describes the scorecards developed for the assessment of (1) opportunities and threats and (2) strengths and weaknesses and discusses the application and interpretation of these tools in the small city and county setting. Chapter 4: Developing the Community Profile. This chapter identifies the recommended data and information required to conduct the SWOT analysis, identifies specific sources and provides a template for the organization of data. Chapter 5: Opportunities and Threats. This chapter provides a primer on the application of the Opportunities and Threats scorecard including the setting of priorities, ratings and interpretation of result.
Chapter 6: Strengths and Weaknesses. This chapter provides a primer on the application of the Strengths and Weaknesses scorecard including the setting of priorities, ratings and interpretation of result. Chapter 7: Interpreting the Results. This chapter discusses how the information and scorecard results can be interpreted and applied to identify key community issues and directions. Chapter 8: Best Practices for Conducting a SWOT Analysis. This chapter provides a step-by-step guide for undertaking a SWOT analysis.
Chapter 1: What is a SWOT Analysis?

Overall Description SWOT analysis is an analytical method used to identify and categorize significant internal (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external (Opportunities and Threats) factors faced by a county or city. It provides information that matches a communitys resources and capabilities to the physical, social, economic and political environment in which it operates. It should not be viewed as a static method with emphasis solely on its output, but rather as a dynamic part of the management, planning and development process. . When is SWOT Analysis appropriate? SWOT analysis involves the collection and portrayal of information about internal and external factors that have, or may have, an impact on the evolution of a community. It generally provides a list of a communitys strengths and weaknesses as indicated by an analysis of its resources and capabilities, plus a list of the threats and opportunities identified by an analysis of its environment and prevailing conditions and trends. Strategic logic requires that the future pattern of actions to be taken should match strengths with opportunities ward off threats and seek to overcome weaknesses. SWOT Analysis may be used for a variety of purposes such as: A self assessment to identify issues and priorities for the community; The identification of issues and topics to include in an Evaluation and Appraisal Report; A foundation for a community visioning exercise; or A framework for a rigorous community audit. Who is typically involved? Representatives from a variety of stakeholders groups should be involved, as they would bring in the analysis of their own particular perspectives. Professional assistance is desirable and serves to enhance the factual basis of the SWOT analysis. Step-by-step guide Creating an opportunity and threat matrix encourages a comprehensive assessment of the likely probability and impact that various factors may have on the organization. A scoring system can be used to assign importance to factors. A factor with a high score on both 'probability of occurrence' and 'likely impact on the community, would be worthy of close attention and play a significant part in the development of plans and actions. Similarly, strengths and weaknesses can be assessed against a scoring system that allows the factors to be identified according to their significance (i.e. major, minor, neutral) and level of importance (high, medium, low). It is possible to represent this analysis in a Performance-Importance matrix that highlights those factors which are both important and in which performance of the organization is low. To be more specific, the set of questions that needs to be answered should be similar to the following:
Strengths What are your advantages? What do you do well? What relevant resources are available to you? What do other people see as your strengths? Consider this from your communitys point of view and from the point of view of the citizens and organizations that make up your community. Don't be modest. Be realistic. Weaknesses What could your community improve? What do you do poorly? What should you avoid? Consider these questions from an internal and external viewpoint: Do other people/organizations seem to perceive weaknesses that you do not see? Are other communities doing any better than you? It is best to be realistic now, and face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible. Opportunities Where are the positive opportunities for your community? What are the promising trends? Useful opportunities can come from such things as: Changes in technology and markets on both a broad and narrow scale Changes in government policy related to your field Changes in social patterns, population profiles, lifestyles, etc. Local conditions A useful approach to looking at opportunities is to look at your strengths and ask yourself whether these open up any opportunities. Alternatively, look at your weaknesses and ask yourself whether you could open up opportunities by eliminating them. Threats What obstacles do you face? Are the threats facing your community undergoing change (more or less threatening)? Is changing technology threatening your position? Could any of your weaknesses seriously threaten your community? Carrying out this analysis will often be illuminating - both in terms of pointing out what needs to be done, and in putting problems into perspective.
Outputs The tangible output of a SWOT analysis is a matrix presenting the most important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the community that provides a overview of major issues to be considered by the community. Pros and cons The value of the SWOT method is primarily due to its simplicity and its flexibility. Its implementation does not require technical knowledge and skills. A correlation is made between the internal factors, strengths and weaknesses of the organization, and the external factors, opportunities and threats. An effort can then be made to exploit opportunities and overcome weaknesses and at the same time protect itself from the threats. The most common drawbacks of SWOT analysis are: The length of the lists of factors that have to be taken into account in the analysis; Lack of prioritization of factors, there being no requirement for their classification and evaluation; No suggestions for solving disagreements; No obligation to verify statements or aspects based on the data or the analysis; Analysis only at a single level (not multi-level analysis); No rational correlation with the implementation phases of the exercise. Moreover, there are risks of: Inadequate definition of factors; Over-subjectivity in the generation of factors; The use of ambiguous and vague words and phrases This Guide is intended to assist the community to take advantage of the positive aspects of a SWOT analysis while avoiding its drawbacks. "Is it for me?" - Checklist You should use SWOT analysis if: You need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your community; You need to identify what are the main threats and opportunities faced by your community; You need to decide what are the most appropriate methods and tools to be used for in meeting the local governments obligations.
Chapter 2: Assembly of Data

The SWOT analysis by design relies on data derived from data sources that are readily and universally available for Florida cities and counties. Emphasis is placed on consistency, suitability of these data for the measurement of condition or performamce, and the comparability of data with state, county and city indicators. GIS Mapping A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for comprehending geographic information and making intelligent decisions based of that information. Basically GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Several maps were produced analyzing and displaying zoning info, land use, parcel sizes in acres, and population density and distribution. Population Estimates & Projections The US Census Bureau is the primary source of decennial census data. This primary source can be accessed at http://factfinder.census.gov. The Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida provides population estimates and projections. BEBR publications can be accessed at http://www.bebr.ufl.edu . The Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing, University of Florida also reports population, population estimates and population projections at http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl.edu ). Demographic/Economic Demographic/Economic sources refer to characteristics of the population that influence consumption of products and services. They include age, sex, race, family size, level of education, occupation, income and location of residence. Sources for this information include the U.S. Census Bureau (http://factfinder.census.gov ), the Bureau of Economic and Business Research ( http://www.bebr.ufl.edu ) and the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing ( http://www.shimberg.ufl.edu ) Housing Housing information is used to determine the range of housing choices for all income levels. Characteristics can include housing type, mortgage status / monthly costs, gross rent, etc. Sources for housing include the U.S. Census Bureau (http://factfinder.census.gov) and the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse (FHDC) maintained by the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing (http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl.edu). If current, the local Comprehensive plan may also be a source of housing data. Land Use / Development Patterns The way land is developed and used in terms of the types of activities allowed (agriculture, residences, industries, etc.) and the size of buildings and structures
permitted. Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL) was a source that provided land use information (http://www.geoplan.ufl.edu/) . Comprehensive Plan A comprehensive plan is a written document that identifies the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, and strategies for the growth and development of a community. The comprehensive plan is a valuable source which provides information on future land use, traffic circulation, housing, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage potable water and natural ground water, conservation intergovernmental coordination and capital improvements Land Development Regulation Each local government in Florida to adopt and maintain land development regulations that implement the comprehensive plan. The Land Development Code is an important source document for the SWOT analysis Budget In a general sense a budget is a plan of financial operations embodying an estimate of proposed expenditures for a given period and the proposed means of financing them. The current budget of each local government provides information about the fiscal resources available to the community and how these resources are allocated. Public Officials Survey The community itself represents a wealth a readily available source of knowledge about the community, its strengths, its weaknesses and the various forces, factors and trends influencing the community. To access this knowledge base, a public officials survey has been developed and is included in the Appendix of this Guide.
Chapter 3: Developing the Community Profile

The community profile is a general description of the community is statistical and graphic terms. The selected indicators provide a snapshot of the community and serve as a foundation for the SWOT analysis. The data is derived from the sources identified in Chapter 2. For comparison purposes, data should be developed for the community, the county and for the State of Florida. Table 1 outlines the recommended components of the community of the community profile along with a description of most available source. Table 2 provides a example of the data. Table 3 shows typical maps and images depicting conditions in the community. The Florida Geographic Data Library 1 . Images are providing by on-site field observation.
Florida Geographic Data Library, GeoPlan Center, University of Florida, http://www.geoplan.ufl.edu
Table 1: Recommended Community Profile Data with Sources

Indicator Population 2000 Population 2005 Population Estimate 2006 Population Population Projections 2005 -2030 2000 US Census; Bureau of Economic Research (BEBR) US Census (state, county, cities not available for all places) BEBR BEBR BEBR (State and County) Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing (FHDC) 2000 US Census 2000 US Census FHDC US Census http://factfinder.census.gov BEBR Florida Estimates of Population, April 1, 2006 http://factfinder.census.gov Florida Estimates of Population, April 1, 2006, BEBR http://www.bebr.ufl.edu Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse (FHDC) http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl,edu Florida Estimates of Population, April 1, 2006, BEBR Projection of Florida Population by County, 2006-2030, Florida Population Studies FHDC, Statewide Comparisons http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl,edu http://factfinder.census.gov http://factfinder.census.gov http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl,edu http://factfinder.census.gov Source Publication / Link
2000 Households 2000 Persons per Household 2005 Households 2005 Persons per Household 2000 Age Characteristics Median Age %Under 5 years % 18 years & over % 65 years & over 2000 Race / Ethnicity % White % African American % Hispanic 2000 Social Characteristics Pop 25 Years or Older %High School Grad or Higher % Bachelors Degree or Higher % Disability
2000 US Census
http://factfinder.census.gov
2000 US Census
2000 US Census
Table 1: Recommended Community Profile Data with Sources (cont)

Indicator Economic Characteristics 2000 % labor force in population 2000 Mean travel time to work in minutes 2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) 2000 Median Family Income (1999 dollars) 2000 Per capita Income (1999 dollars) 2000 % Families below poverty level 2000 % Individuals below poverty level Housing Characteristics 2000 Housing Units 2000 % Occupied Housing Units 2000 % Owner Occupied 2000 US Census 2000 % Vacant 2000 Single Family owneroccupied homes 2000 Single Family Median Value 2000 Median Rent 2005 Single Family Home Average Value FHDC 2005 Mobile Home Average Value Affordable Housing Needs Cost Burdened 2 2005 % paying more than 30% of income FHDC 2005 % paying more than 50% of income Source Publication / Link
2000 US Census
http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl,edu
http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl,edu
"Cost-burdened" households pay more than 30% of income for rent or mortgage costs.
Table 2: Sample Data Table

Indicator Population 2000 Population 349 14,437 15,982,378 US Census Factfinder Bureau of Economic Research (BEBR) factfinder.census.gov BEBR FHDC BEBR BEBR (Medium) BEBR (Medium) Community County State Source
Bell
Gilchrist
Florida
2005 Pop Estimate 2006 Pop Estimate 2025 Pop Projection 2030 Pop Projection 2000 Households 2000 Persons per Household 2000 Families 2000 Persons per Family 2005 Households 2005 Persons per Household 2000 Age Characteristics Median Age %Under 5 years % 18 years & over % 65 years & over 2000 Race / Ethnicity % White % African American % Hispanic 2000 Age Characteristics Pop 25 Years or Older %High School Grad or Higher % Bachelors Degree or Higher % Disability Economic Characteristics 2000 % labor force in population 2000 Mean travel time to work in minutes 2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) 2000 Median Family Income (1999 dollars) 2000 Per capita Income (1999 dollars) 2000 % Families below poverty level 2000 % Individuals below poverty level 452 796 879 125 2.79 109 3.21 157 2,87 34.3 7.2% 69.6% 14.3% 96.0% 2.0% 1.4% 218 68.3% 13.3% 34.1% 52.8% 27.6 $30,156 $30,987 $11,790 13.1% 17.2%
16,222 16,703 24,596 26,296 5,531 2.61 4,796 3.01 5,891 2.75 35.4 5.7% 75.6% 13.6% 90.5% 7.0% 2.8% 8,866 72.4% 9.4% 25.1% 53.0% 33.5 $30,328 $34,485 $13,985 10.9% 14.1%
17,382,511 18,349,132 25,086,000 26,513,300 6,496,900 2.46 5,399,452 2.98 7,134,356 2.44 38.7 5.9% 77.2% 17.6% 78.0% 14.6% 16.8% 11,024,645 79.9% 22.3% 22.2% 58.6% 26.2 $38,819 $45,625 $21,557 9.0% 12.5%
factfinder.census.gov
FHDC
Table 2: Sample Data Table (cont)

Indicator Community County State Source
Bell
Gilchrist
Florida
7,302,947 86.8% 70.1% 13.2% 3,242,202 $105,000 $641 $201,829 $55,946 FHDC factfinder.census.gov
Housing Characteristics 2000 Housing Units 149 5,906 2000 % Occupied 83.9% 85.0% Housing Units 2000 % Owner Occupied 76.8% 86.3% 2000 % Vacant 16.1% 15.0% 2000 Single Family 31 1,239 owner-occupied homes 2000 Single Family $62,100 $78,000 Median Value 2000 Median Monthly $396 $420 Rent 2005 Single Family $54,294 $80,129 Home Average Value 2005 Mobile Home $39,588 $45,047 Average Value Affordable Housing Needs Cost Burdened 2005 % paying more 25% 28% than 30% of income 2005 % paying more 10% 12% than 50% of income
29% 13%
FHDC
Table 3: Typical Maps & Images
Future Land Use
Regional Context
Aerial Photography
Parcels
Existing Land Use
Parcel Size
Roadway Network
Source: Florida Geographic Data Library
Images
Chapter 4: SWOT Scorecards

Scorecards provide structure and discipline to the SWOT analysis. The technique also permits the framework of the analysis to be understood and the values to be applied before the analysis begins. A series of indicators are provided to measure the opportunities and threats (external factors) facing a community and the strengths and weaknesses (internal factors) of the community to take advantage of opportunities and to mitigate against threats. The Rating System The evaluation of indicators involves two distinct components: the performance rating of the indicator the value or weight of the indicator The rating of the indicator is then determined by multiplying the performance rating by the assigned weight to generate a score.
Performance Rating
Weight
SCORE
Performance Rating. The performance rating is determined by how well the indicator may perform against pre-established criteria regardless of how important it may be. This evaluation is intended to maintain objectivity and may accommodate any degree of rigor or sophistication to a particular application may justify. The performance rating may be analytical or subjective based on observations or perceptions of the rater. The performance rating may be expressed as a number or as a description value. If numerical, the rating should range between -1.0 and +1.0 as illustrated by Table 4 and Table 5. The guidelines for assigning these ratings are also shown by the tables. If descriptive, terms such as neutral, favorable or unfavorable are used. Table 6 illustrates how the general guidelines from Tables 4 & 5 are translated into specific rating guides for each indicator.
Table 4: Opportunities & Threats Indicator Ratings Indicator Characteristics Clear and measurable opportunity Positive community impact Significant community impact Clearly justifies supportive action Numerical Rating Descriptive Rating
+0.6 to +1.0
Strongly Favorable
INCREASING OPPORTUNITY
Perceived or measurable opportunity Impact appears to be positive Impact appears to be significant May justify supportive action
+0.1 to +0.5
Favorable
No measurable or discernable opportunity or threat
Neutral
INCREASING THREAT
Perceived or measurable threat Impact appears to be negative Impact appears to be significant May need corrective action
-0.1 to -0.5
Unfavorable
Clear and measurable threat Negative community impact Significant community impact Clearly needs corrective action
-0.6 to -1.0
Strongly Unfavorable
Table 5: Strengths & Weakness Indicator Ratings Indicator Characteristics Clear and measurable strength Positive community benefit Implementation emphasized Measurable objectives Sustainable INCREASING STRENGTH Perceived or measurable strength Appears to have positive benefit Appears to have significant benefit May be sustainable Numerical Rating Descriptive Rating
+0.6 to +1.0
Strongly Favorable
+0.1 to +0.5
Favorable
INCREASING WEAKNESS
No clear strength or weaknesses Meets minimum standards
Neutral
Perceived or measurable weakness Appears to be impediment to public objectives Appears to be inconsistent with public policy
-0.1 to -0.5
Unfavorable
Clear and measurable weakness Clear impediment to public objectives Clearly inconsistent with public policy
-0.6 to -1.0
Strongly Unfavorable
Table 6: Sample Performance Indicators and Rating Guide Topic: Housing Choice
STRONGLY UNFAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE INDICATOR SCORE FAVORABLE STRONGLY FAVORABLE NEUTRAL WEIGHT RATING
-0.6 to -1
-0.1 to -0.5
0.1 to 0.5
Does your community offer a range of housing choice?
There is a severe lack of diversity of housing type and price range.
We have little diversity in housing type and price range
. We have a limited mix, including some affordable housing.
We have a mix of housing types but limited for some groups
0.6 to 1 We have a mix of housing types, including affordable housing to buy, multifamily rental housing, and senior housing that reflects the composition of our community. Affordable housing is available to all groups within our community
0.5
40
20
Is housing affordable to all residents within your community regardless of age, income or life situation?
The lack of affordable housing is a significant impediment for our community The lack of work force housing is a significant impediment for our community
The lack of affordable housing is a significant problem for some groups
Affordable housing is a concern especially for some groups
Affordable housing is available to most groups within our community
-.2
40
-8
Can the community work force find housing within your community?
The lack of work force housing is a significant problem for some groups
Work force housing is a concern especially for some groups
Work force housing is available to most groups within our community
Work force housing is available to all groups within our community
.4
20
Composite Topic Score
0.5
100
20
Indicator Weight. The weight or value of the indicator determines its importance. This weight is subjective by design and is intended to reflect the values or priorities of the rater. This weighting may be done systematically based on an emphasis or other criteria or it may simply represent subjective levels of importance selected by the rater or by a group such as a planning commission.
Table 7: Sample Topic Weights:

TOPIC Prevailing Conditions and Trends Public Involvement Strengthen Existing Community Compact Community Design Downtown / Neighborhood Centers Economic Diversity Open Spaces & Natural Amenities Sense of Place Walkable Community Housing Choice Transportation Options Service Delivery Safety, Health & Disaster Resistance Fairness, Predictability & Equity Governance Regional Cooperation TOTAL TOPIC WEIGHT 25 50 50 50 100 100 100 50 50 100 100 50 100 25 25 25 1,000
The total of all indicator weights must equal a multiple of 10 (e.g. 10, 100 or 1000). This rule introduces a necessary degree of discipline into the assignment of importance. In other words, the rater has a dollar to spend and must decide how to spend it. Table 7 shows an example of the allocation of 1,000 points among the primary topics selected for the opportunities and threats portion of this analysis. The rater has full discretion regarding the allocation of these weights so long as the total is 1,000. Table 8 shows how the topic weight is allocated to individual indicators. Essentially the same method is followed to assign a weight to each indicator within a topic that does not exceed the assigned topic weight. As the example shows, the three housing choice indicators are assigned 40, 40 and 20 points respectively of the total 100 points assigned to the housing choice topic. Table 8: Sample Indicator Weights
Topic: Housing Choice Topic Weight 100 Indicator
Does your community offer a range of housing choice? Is housing affordable to all residents within your community regardless of age, income or life situation? Can the community work force find housing within your community?
Indicator Weight 40.0% 40
40.0%
40
20.0%
20
100%
100
Chapter 5: Opportunities and Threats

Opportunities and threats are the external factors that influence each community. The analysis examines the conditions, trends and circumstances affecting the community at the time of the analysis. The topics and indicators selected are considered appropriate for an assessment focusing on planning and growth management issues in Florida communities.
Table 9: Opportunities & Threats - Topics & Indicators

Prevailing Conditions and Trends What is the overall state of the community? Is the community able to effectively provide adequate services and infrastructure? Are external factors presenting issues and conditions that may affect the community? How active is your community in planning? Is the citizenry engaged in the making community decisions? Are citizens active in community planning, development, and resource protection through other organizations? Where is the most new residential development occurring in your community? How does new development connect to your community? Where are your communitys public buildings (including schools and post offices), and where are they planned? Does development along county roads occur in a node or strip pattern of development? (See figure 4) How visible is the edge of your town center (or centers, if your municipality has more than one)? Where is most commercial and industrial growth occurring? Where are commercial/industrial and residential uses located in relation to each other? How do sizes of newer lots in your town center those created within the past 20 years compare to the typical sizes of older lots in the same area? Is higher density housing occurring near the center of the community? Is infill and redevelopment occurring at higher intensity? Is there a discernible and active downtown? Is your downtown the center of community activity? Is your downtown the center of retail activity? Does the downtown support a mix of uses including places to live, work and places to shop? Does employment and retail outside the downtown occur in defined activity centers?
Enhanced Public Involvement
Strengthen Existing Communities
Compact Community Design
Support Downtown and Neighborhood Centers
Table 9: Opportunities & Threats - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Are most people in your community employed within the community? Can townspeople meet most daily shopping needs in town? Are most businesses locally-owned? Are local groups active in promoting locally owned businesses? Does the community workforce reside within the community?
Encourage Business Diversity
Preserve Open Space and Natural Amenities
Does your community have significant open space and natural amenities within or near your community? Do townspeople have local access to open space for hiking, hunting, fishing, etc.? How much conservation-easement and/or land trust activity is occurring in your area? Is there local support for farming and ranching through tax abatements and/or a dedicated fund to help purchase or protect prime working land? Are there water or springs conservancy organizations active in your area? Does your community have significant open space and natural amenities within or near your community? Do townspeople have local access to open space for hiking, hunting, fishing, etc.?
Does your community have a public place or places (plaza, park, etc.) that foster community interaction? Does your community have a program to sponsor art in public places (murals, sculptures, etc.) Does your community sponsor events to celebrate its cultural heritage, natural assets or community character? Does your community have any organizations active in historic preservation at the local or regional level? Does your community have a network of sidewalks and trails that connect neighborhoods with schools, shopping and other public destinations? Is your downtown friendly to pedestrians? Do townspeople have easy walking access to public parks and playgrounds? Can children safely walk to schools?
Sense of Place
Walkable Communities
Table 9: Opportunities & Threats - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Which option best describes the mix of housing types in your community? Is housing affordable to all residents within your community regardless of age, income or life situation? Can the community work force find housing within your community? Which of these options best describes the layout of the local streets? Are residents dependent on state and county roads for travel within the community? Are state and county roads heavily used by traffic from outside your community? Is your community served by a public water supply system? Does your community have an adequate water supply? Is you community served by a public wastewater system? Is your community able to adequately maintain its streets and walkways network? Is your community able to adequately maintain its parks and other public places? Is crime a problem? Is your community vulnerable to damage from flooding? Is your community vulnerable to damage from wildfire? How vulnerable is your community to damage from hurricanes? How does the business & development community view your development permitting process? Can building permits be obtained efficiently? How is new development received by the community? Does your local government hire a full time manager or administrator? Does your community have the resources to provide a full range of government services? Do elected and appointed board members and staff in your area have opportunities to meet and network with each other on a regular basis? Do the towns, cities, and counties in your area have any formal cooperative agreements on issues such as land use, transportation, housing, etc.? Does your county support/ encourage / direct growth toward the existing infrastructure of towns and cities? Do state and federal agencies abide by local land use plans?
Housing Choice
Transportation Options
Efficient Service Delivery
Safe, Healthy & Disaster Resistant Communities
Fair & Predictable Development Review Process
Governance
Regional Cooperation
Chapter 6: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and weaknesses are the internal factors that determine a communitys capacity to address the threats it may face and to take advantage of the opportunities available to the community. The topics and indicators selected are considered appropriate for an assessment focusing on planning and growth management issues in Florida communities. Each topic is further categorized to examine (1) the comprehensive plan, (2) the land development regulations and (3) practices and programs. Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators (cont)
Downtown & Neighborhood Centers Does your Comprehensive Plan clearly define the downtown and include policies directed maintaining the character and function of the downtown? Does your Comprehensive Plan encourage of balanced mix of commercial, institutional and residential land uses within or near the downtown? Does your Comprehensive Plan encourage higher land use intensities in the downtown than in other parts of the community? Does your Comprehensive Plan promote new development, redevelopment, reinvestment and infill within and near the downtown? Does the future land-use plan allow for compatible, small-scale neighborhood commercial uses (e.g., commercial stores) adjacent to or within residential neighborhoods? Does your Comprehensive Plan limit the location, size and design of large scale retail? Do your LDRs promote mixed land uses in the downtown and in activity centers? What scale of commercial growth is permitted? Do the area, height and bulk requirements of the LDRs promote a main street character for the downtown and for activity centers? Has your community adopted form-based codes for the downtown and activity centers? Does your community support an active Main Street or similar program promoting the downtown? Does your City direct public investment into the downtown and surrounding areas? Does the City take proactive steps to attract new development and redevelopment into the downtown? Does the Comprehensive Plan contain an Economic Element? Does the Comprehensive Plan link economic vitality and diversity with land use and development needs? Does the comprehensive plan consider the appropriateness of balancing jobs and housing, both qualitatively and quantitatively? How do local regulations encourage business development in the downtown? How does your city support existing downtown business and attract new ones? Does your community regularly track local and regional economic information and trends?
Comprehensive Plan
Land Development Code
Programs & Practices
Economic Diversity
Comprehensive Plan
Land Development Code Programs & Practices
Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators

Public Involvement To what extent was the public involved in developing your most recent the community plan? Are there community or regional organizations that track quality of life issues in your area and work to increase awareness of community issues? Does your community utilize any techniques and tools to increase the community understanding and input on planning issues? Has your community conducted a visioning exercise involving stakeholder groups such as neighborhood associations, community organizations, businesses, private property owners, housing and development interests, and environmental organizations? Did the visioning exercise conducted by your community address the topics enunciated by Chapter 163 i.e. population, economic development, preservation of open space, mixed use development, locations for high intensity development, locations for employment centers, workforce housing, multimodal transportation, and land use patterns? Did the visioning exercise address strategies to preserve open space and environmentally sensitive lands, and to encourage a healthy agricultural economy, including innovative planning and development strategies, such as the transfer of development rights? Did the visioning exercise address incentives for mixed-use development, including increased height and intensity standards for buildings that provide residential use in combination with office or commercial space? Did the visioning exercise address incentives for workforce housing? Did the visioning exercise address designation of an urban service boundary? Did the visioning exercise address strategies to provide mobility within the community and to protect the Strategic Intermodal System, including the development of a transportation corridor management plan? Did your community develop a vision statement that reflects a shared concept for growth and development of the community? Has your comprehensive plan been amended to include the vision statement?
Community Participation
Visioning
Strengthen Existing Communities Are population projections realistic in terms of regional and state projections? Does the Comprehensive Plan describe the regional context of the community and its contribution to the economy, community character and environment of the Region Does the Comprehensive Plan identify those aspects of the community that are unique or especially valuable to the sustainable future of the community? Does the land-use analysis identify in quantitative terms (i.e., number of acres and preferably build out potential in numbers of units) what the potential is for residential infill development and commercial redevelopment? Urban Form: Does the Comprehensive Plan identify areas within the community that are suitable for a full range of environmental, social and economic activities required to sustain a complete community? Urban Form: Does the Comprehensive Plan propose a sequential, phased pattern of future development in areas contiguous to developed areas so that a compact urban (or suburban) form can be obtained? Distinct Edge: Does the Comprehensive Plan define edges, areas or gateways that visually identify your communitys character and distinguish it from adjoining jurisdictions.
Comprehensive Plan
Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Strengthen Existing Communities (cont) Do zoning districts and classifications established in the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) reflect the urban form described in the Comp Plan? Do the LDRs promote or hinder infill and redevelopment? Do the LDRs favor compact development that is contiguous to the existing community? Do the LDRs promote the enhancement or maintenance of community edges, gateways and other features that identify and distinguish the community? Does the City direct the investment of public dollars in a manner that strengthens the existing City? Does the City have a program to proactively promote the distinct qualities of the community? Does the City have a program to proactively enhance the appearance and distinctive character of the community?
Land Development Regulations
Compact Community Design Does your community have urban service (water and sewer) or urban growth boundaries? Does the land-use plan designate areas, where appropriate, for mixed-use development? Direction of Growth (Inward, Not Outward): Do land-use policies favor an inward "direction of growth" toward existing developed areas instead of promoting or favoring new development on the fringe of developed areas? Are there specific policies that promote or encourage infill development? Does the land-use plan contain an analysis of redevelopment potential? If it finds there is redevelopment potential, does the land-use analysis identify what the redevelopment Plan potential means in terms of new housing units and square footage of nonresidential development? Do land-use policies encourage the establishment of minimum (not just maximum) densities to promote the efficient use of lands designated for higher densities? Does the plan address any findings that density allowances in the land-use plan and zoning district have been underutilized? Do the LDRs contain provisions that support (favor) development within the urban service area or urban growth boundaries? Do the LDRs provide design guidelines that define and promote compact design? Do the LDRs require minimum densities / intensities in certain areas in contrast to prescribing maximum densities / intensities only? Do the LDRs provide incentives or inducements to encourage compact design in certain areas? Do the capital improvement policies of the community favor the development of infrastructure and the provision of services within a designated urban area.
Comprehensive Plan

Preserve Open Spaces and Natural Amenities Has your community identified its natural assets (rivers, water bodies, open space, agricultural lands, and viewsheds) and taken steps to restore or protect them? Does the plan establish a goal, policies, and implementation measures to set aside a certain percentage of total land area in the community as open space or green space? Does your comprehensive plan offer open space / cluster development options? Is there a voluntary transfer of development rights (TDR) program? Energy Conservation - Does the comprehensive plan identify energy conservation as a goal, and do policies exist to promote energy conservation? Do local regulations provide for open space in new development? What densities of development does your zoning permit on farm and ranch lands? Has the community considered funding comprehensive measures, such as a special local option funding sales tax or a general obligation bond components referendum for acquisition of green space? Does your Comprehensive Plan contain a Community Character Element? Does your Comprehensive Plan have a set of clear design guidelines so streets, buildings, and public spaces work together to create a sense of place? Does your Comprehensive Plan protect historic buildings and other features important to the community? Does your Comprehensive Plan address the design and appearance of retail buildings especially large scale retail? Do your LDRs contain design standards pertaining to community appearance and design? Have design guidelines been included within the LDRs? Does your LDR contain a local registry for historic places and districts? Are certificates of appropriateness required for historic properties? Are certificates of appropriateness required for new development within or near historic properties and places?
Comprehensive Plan
Land Development Code Programs & Practices Sense of Place
Comprehensive Plan
Have landmarks and/or districts within your community been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Florida Heritage Registry. Does your City proactively support organizations and associations dedicated to the preservation of the historic character of the community? Are incentives (such as tax deductions) and/or funding available related to community appearance and design? Does the community proactively invest in the improvement of public places?

Walkable Communities Does your Comprehensive Plan encourage walkability? Does your Comprehensive Plan establish levels of service for pedestrian and bicycle travel? Does your Comprehensive Plan promote Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)? Does your Comprehensive Plan promote mixed use development that emphasizes walkability? Do you require sidewalks and trails in new developments? Do your LDRs require design features that promote walkability? Does community investment promote walkability? Is the land-use plan efficient in terms of the amount of undeveloped land devoted to residential uses when compared with the projections of residential land needed? Does the land use element contain an analysis of developed residential densities and how they relate to planned densities and densities permitted by zoning districts? How has your community planned for future housing needs, especially in and around your downtown? Does the housing element of the comprehensive plan contain a housing needs assessment? Does the comprehensive plan meet the housing needs of all income levels, as determined by a housing needs assessment? Does the comprehensive plan establish a policy of providing for a wide range of housing types (detached single-family, duplex, manufactured home, apartment, etc.)? Do local regulations enable your community to meet diverse housing needs and ensure long-term affordability? Does your community track the mix and affordability of housing and jobs/housing balance at the local or regional level? Does your community provide incentives to support affordable housing (density bonuses, fee waivers, higher density zones, fast tracking).
Comprehensive Plan
Land Development Code Programs & Practices Housing Choice
Comprehensive Plan
Land Development Code Programs & Practices
Transportation Options
Does the comprehensive plan include a transportation element that addresses long range needs for roads, sidewalks, bicycle paths, transit, and water and air travel (where appropriate)? Do transportation policies and the future transportation system provide for local street networks (as opposed to the conventional hierarchical system of arterials, collectors, and local streets)? Does the comprehensive plan provide for an analysis of local street standards and recommendations for reducing excessive right-of-way and pavement widths?
Comprehensive Plan
How does your community regulate the street widths in new developments? Does your community track travel patterns at the local or regional level to better understand how and why people travel in your area? Do local transportation policies provide for the maintenance of current roads and existing transportation systems before spending money on new ones?

Efficient Service Delivery Does your community conduct a periodic buildout analysis as part of the comprehensive planning process? Does the comprehensive plan provide clear discussions of how water and sewer infrastructure policies are tied to the goals and objectives of the land-use plan? Transportation plan? Does your Comprehensive Plan tie impact fees to its Capital Improvement Plan? Are comprehensive plan policies consistent with the local school system's school-siting policies? Does your community conduct a periodic buildout analysis as part of the comprehensive planning process? Does your community conduct a periodic buildout analysis as part of the comprehensive planning process? Does the comprehensive plan provide clear discussions of how water and sewer infrastructure policies are tied to the goals and objectives of the land-use plan? Transportation plan? Does your Comprehensive Plan tie impact fees to its Capital Improvement Plan? Are comprehensive plan policies consistent with the local school system's school-siting policies? To what extent does your community require development impact fees? Does your community conduct periodic cost of services studies to better understand who is paying for and who is receiving public services? Do water and sewer facility master plans provide for the phasing of future trunk water and sewer extensions into areas designated for development in the short term, versus allowing such lines to be extended without restraint anywhere in the community?
Comprehensive Plan
Safe, Healthy, Disaster Resistant Communities Does your comprehensive plan include a post-disaster redevelopment plan? Does your comprehensive plan contain or reference a hazard mitigation strategy Does your comprehensive plan address flooding hazards? Does your comprehensive plan address hazards from wildfire? Does your comprehensive plan address police protection? Does your comprehensive plan address fire protection? Does your Land Development Regulation provide floodplain management standards? Does your Land Development Regulation provide standards for wildfire mitigation? Does your Land Development Regulation address Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)? Does your community have an emergency management capability? How is police protection provided for your community? How is fire protection provided for your community?
Comprehensive Plan

Fair & Predictable Development Review Comprehensive Plan Does your comprehensive plan clearly articulate what is expected of new development? Is the Land Development Regulation organized in a manner that is understandable, efficient and functional? Does the Land Development Regulation provide clear standards & guidelines for what is expected of new development? Does the Land Development Regulation establish appropriate procedures for development review? Are the responsibilities and criteria for decision-making clearly articulated in the Land Development Regulation? Is public participation encouraged during the development review process? Do your elected body and advisory boards such as the planning commission communicate about plans and procedures on a routine basis? Is professional review and consultation available during the development review process? Is legal advice and consultation available during the development review process Do the towns, cities, and counties in your area share land use data? Does your community cooperate with the regional planning council, county and neighboring municipalities to reconcile and update population projections and other trends? Does there a countywide policy or vision that is shared by local governments? Does your community cooperate with adjoining jurisdictions to develop joint planning areas? Does your community proactively review comprehensive plan amendments proposed by other local governments? Does your community proactively seek input from other local governments for proposed comprehensive plan amendments? Does your community have formal procedures for the review of development applications with adjoining and neighboring jurisdictions? Does your community participate as a member or representative on regional or countywide boards and agencies?
Comprehensive Plan
Land Development Code Programs & Practices Planning & Growth Management Capacity Professional Staffing Analytical Resources
Does your community maintain a professional planning staff? Does your community regularly review and update your comprehensive plan? Does your community have access to the mapping and analytical capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Chapter 7: Interpreting the Results

How should the results be interpreted of the SWOT analysis be interpreted. As illustrated by the diagram, there are 25 combinations of strengths , weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The setting of priorities is a stated purpose of the SWOT analysis and the diagram serves to illustrate how Threat Opportunity that is achieved.
High Threat
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a typical output of the SWOT analysis for a small rural community.
Moderate Threat High Strength Moderate Threat Moderate Strength Moderate Threat
Neutral High Strength Neutral Moderate Strength Neutral
Moderate Opportunity High Strength Moderate Opportunity Moderate Strength Moderate Opportunity
High Opportunity High Strength High Opportunity Moderate Strength High Opportunity
Strength
High Strength High Threat Moderate Strength High Threat
The greatest Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral threats (Fig. 1) Moderate Moderate High High Threat Neutral are in the areas Threat Opportunity Opportunity of compact Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Weakness Weakness Weakness Weakness Weakness design, transportation Moderate Moderate High High Threat Neutral Threat Opportunity Opportunity and the High High High High High efficiency of Weakness Weakness Weakness Weakness Weakness services (all fall into the unfavorable range). Fig. 2 indicates that the communitys capacity to address these issues is weak or unfavorable. This simple analysis suggests a priority for improving the comprehensive plan and the land development codes to encourage more compact design and to develop a transportation network to augment the main highway. The analysis also directs attention to the need for improved services. Weakness
-5.0%
-30.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0%
-25.0%
-20.0%
-15.0%
-10.0%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
-40.00%
-30.00%
-20.00%
-10.00%
0.0%
5.0%
0.00%
Public Involvement
0.0%
Conditions
-4.00% 10.00%
Strengthen Community
6.8%
Public Involvement
Compact Design
-7.5%
Strengthen Communities
7.50% -20.00% 17.50% 12.00% 0.00% 15.00% 4.00% 8.00%
-15.8%
Downtowns
Compact Design
Business Diversity
-15.8%
Downtown
-7.5%
Natural Amenities
Business Diversity
Sense of Place
0.0%
Natural Amenities
-6.0%
Create Walkability
Sense of Place
Housing Choice
0.0%
Figure 2: Typical Opportunities & Threats Analysis

-15.0%
Housing Choice
Figure 1: Typical Opportunities & Threats Analysis
Transportation
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES - % of MAXIMUM
-19.0%
Service Delivery
Transportation
-26.00%
Service
OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS - % of MAXIMUM
Public Safety
2.4%
-22.50%
Safe Communities
-7.5%
Development Review
40.00%
Development Review
-15.3%
Planning Capacity
0.00%
Governance
-18.0%
15.00%
0.00%
Chapter 8: Best Practices for Conducting the SWOT Analysis

The following steps are recommended for applying the SWOT analysis in your community: Step 1: Reach consensus that the SWOT is needed You will need the involvement from many people in your community to develop the SWOT and to carry out its findings. Reach a consensus that the SWOT is needed and is the appropriate tool before you begin. Step 2: Refine the template and establish the weights for the indicators. The SWOT template can be tailored to fit your community be the addition or deletion of indicators and by the weights you establish. This fine tuning should be accomplished at the beginning of the process not at the end. It represents a good opportunity for you to think about your community and what it considers important. Also decide who will conduct the rating and evaluate the results. Step3: Develop the Community Profile This Guide provides access to basic data to support a rudimentary analysis that does not require extensive data assembly and evaluation. If your community desires a more in depth analytical process, this is the point in the process for that task to be completed. Step 4: Conduct the Public Officials Survey The Public Officials Survey is designed to garner the knowledge and perceptions of key officials and citizens about the community. If additional public participation is desired, that input should occur at this point as well. Step 5: Rate the community Use the SWOT template (the one you adapted for your community) to rate the community. Step 6: Interpret the rating and prepare a report Interpretation is critical along with letting the community know about the findings Step 7: Apply the findings Take action on the results whatever they may be. You may want to conduct a follow-up SWOT when you finished to see how well you have done.
Appendix
Small Cities Toolkit Public Officials Survey Topic Community Profile

1. What is the Population of Your Community (latest estimate)?
Under 1,000 1,001 to 2,500 2,501 to 5,000 5,001 to 7,500 7,501 to 10,000 Over 10,000
2. How would you characterize your community?

Rural community within a rural county or region Rural/ small community within expanding urban area or region Small community physically separated from surrounding communities and urban areas Small community in close proximity with other cities and developed areas Small community within urbanized area but with room for expansion. Small community within urbanized area with little or no room for expansion Built out small community with no room for expansion
3. Is your community growing?

Our community has experienced rapid growth in recent years (more than 5% per year over last five years) Our community has experienced moderately rapid growth in recent years (more than 3% per year over last five years) Our community has experienced modest growth in recent years (more than 1% per year over last five years) Our community has experienced some growth in recent years (less than 1% per year over last five years) Our community has not grown in recent years The population is our community has remained the same or has slightly declined in recent years The population in our community has significantly declined in recent years 4. How would you characterize the state of your community Our community is experiencing robust growth that we have been able to positively accommodate Our community is experiencing robust growth but the change is presenting difficulties Our community is experiencing modest growth that we can accommodate and generally view as positive. Our community is experiencing modest growth but the change is presenting difficulties Our community is experiencing change that is viewed as negative Our community generally reviews change as negative Our community is experiencing some decline Our community is distressed
Public Involvement
5. How active is your community in planning?
There is good attendance at public meetings, and support for community planning efforts. Attendance is good at high visibility meetings, but not as good for ongoing and general planning sessions. Meetings are sparsely attended except for controversial issues. Meetings are sparsely attended. 6. Is the citizenry engaged in making community decisions? There are never vacancies on boards and multiple applications create competition for slots. Most vacancies on boards are filled within a reasonable period of time. There are often vacancies on boards and it often takes effort to fill openings. Board positions go vacant for months. 7. Are there organizations active in community planning, development, and resource protection? At least two of these groups are active in our city: a community development organization, a downtown organization, a historical society, community planning organization, or a land trust At least one of the these groups is active in our city: a community development organization, a downtown organization, a historical society, community planning organization or a land trust No. There is no local community development organization, downtown organization, historical society, community planning organization, or a land trust. 8. To what extent was the public involved in developing your most recent the community plan? There was a lot of public involvement committee, workshops, survey work, and wellattended public meetings. Some public meetings were well attended, but overall there was not a lot of public involvement in developing the plan. Only the required number of public hearings was held. I dont know 9. Does your community utilize any techniques and tools to increase the community understanding and input on planning issues? Yes. We use a variety of tools and techniques to increase community participation in design and planning issues such geographic information system modeling, buildout analysis, visual preference surveys, community video, computer imaging. Yes. We use at least one of the following tools and techniques to increase community participation in design and planning issues: geographic information system modeling, buildout analysis, visual preference surveys, community video, computer imaging, and design workshops. No. We just hold community meetings and public hearings. I dont know! 10. Has your community conducted a visioning exercise involving stakeholder groups such as neighborhood associations, community organizations, businesses, private property owners, housing and development interests, and environmental organizations? Yes. Our community has conducted a visioning exercise within the last two years involving all stakeholder groups identified within the community.
Yes. Our community has conducted a visioning exercise within the last five years but all stakeholder groups were not represented. No. Our community has not conducted a visioning exercise within the last five years. No. Our community has never conducted a visioning exercise I dont know
Community Form
11. Does your community have a distinct center where most employment, retail, government and community services are located?
Yes! Our community has a distinct downtown area that is the center of community activity Our community has a distinct downtown area but some of the employment, retail and community activity has moved to in outlying locations Our downtown has declined and its role as the community center has diminished Our downtown has severely declined and no longer functions as the community center
12. Where is most new residential development occurring in your community?

New residential development is locating within or adjacent to the community with full urban services New development is locating partly within or adjacent to the community and partly in outlying areas New development is occurring at the edges of the City in large lot developments New development is mostly in areas outside of the community (in the county) in large lot developments with some urban services New development is mostly in areas outside of the community (in the county) in large lot developments without urban services
12. Does development along major roads occur in a node or strip pattern of development?
Development along state highways and county roads is focused into nodes. Development in county mostly in a node pattern, with a strip pattern in between. Development along county roads is in a strip pattern.
13. Do your plans and policies promote or hinder infill and redevelopment?
Infill and redevelopment has been successfully promoted. Infill and redevelopment is promoted and encouraged with some success Infill and redevelopment is promoted and encouraged but without much success Infill and redevelopment encounters impediments that have hindered efforts Infill and redevelopment has been unsuccessful because of regulatory and other impediments
Community Design
14. Is infill and redevelopment occurring within your community?
Significant infill and redevelopment is occurring and at higher intensity than existing development. Infill and redevelopment is occurring at densities somewhat higher than existing development. Some infill and redevelopment is occurring but at densities similar to existing development. No! Infill and redevelopment is not occurring. Not sure
15. Is new residential development occurring at lower density than existing development?
Most new lots are similar in size to, or smaller than, older lots in similar locations. Some newer lots are similar to older lots, while some are larger. Most new lots are larger than older lots in similar locations. Not sure
16. Has development near the center of the community occurred at higher density or intensity?
Development near the center of the community has occurred at substantially higher intensity than in outlying areas. The intensity of development near the center is somewhat higher than the outlying areas There is no discernible difference in the center relative to outlying areas. Not sure
Downtown & Neighborhoods Centers

17. Is there a discernible and active downtown?
There is a well-defined downtown and significant infill and redevelopment is occurring The downtown is well-defined and some infill and redevelopment is occurring The downtown is well-defined and stable The downtown has declined significantly and little reinvestment is occurring The downtown has largely disappeared or is in serious decline.
18. Is your downtown the center of community activity?

Virtually all community activities occur within the downtown Most community activities take place in or around the downtown Some community activities continue take place in downtown The downtown is declining as the center of community activity The downtown is largely abandoned.
19. Is your downtown the center of retail activity?

The downtown is the dominant and thriving retail center The downtown is a strong retail center that successfully competes with other retail The downtown is an important retail center for the community but has difficulty competing with other retail Very little retail exists within the downtown No retail exists within the downtown
20. Does the downtown support a mix of uses including places to live, work and places to shop?
The downtown has a balanced mix of retail, employment and housing The downtown has a balanced mix of office, retail and institutional The downtown has some mixed use but tends toward a single use The downtown tends to by single use (retail, office, government) The downtown is largely abandoned
21. Does employment and retail outside the downtown occur in defined activity centers?
Almost all employment and retail activities occur in mixed use activity centers Most employment and retail occurs in activity concentrations such as industrial parks or shopping centers Some employment and retail occurs to activity centers Employment and retail occurs in an isolated and standalone pattern along major roads
Economic Diversity
22. Are most people in your community employed within the community?
The community offers broad diversity of employment opportunities and most people can find work locally Most people are employed locally but some travel for work The community offers employment for many people but a significant number work elsewhere Some jobs exist within our community but most people must travel to work outside the community Very few jobs exist within our community
23. Can townspeople meet most daily shopping needs in town?

We can meet everyday needs at a diversity of retail choice within our community. We can buy some goods in town, but must travel outside town for others. We have to travel outside town to meet most everyday needs.
24. Are most businesses locally-owned?

Almost all businesses are locally-owned There is a balance between locally-owned business and corporate retail A large number of businesses are locally-owned but corporate retail has a strong presence Some businesses are locally owned but the market is dominated by corporate retail Very few businesses are locally-owned
25. Are local groups active in promoting locally owned businesses?

A local business group promotes local shopping, supports existing businesses, and recruits compatible new enterprises. There is a local business group, but its activity is limited. There is no local business group
26. Does the community workforce reside within the community?

Our community has taken proactive steps to assure that our workforce resides within the community Most of the workforce can find affordable housing and reside within the community Some of the communitys work force must commute but most live within the community A substantial portion of the communitys workforce must commute Housing is too expensive and almost all of our community workforce must commute to work
Open Spaces & Natural Amenities

27. Does your community have significant open space and natural amenities within or near your community?
Open space and natural amenities are dominant and central features in our community There are significant natural amenities within or very close to our community Our community is largely urbanized with very natural amenities and open space
28. Do townspeople have local access to open space and natural amenities?
Most large parcels of open space are either publicly owned, or privately owned but open to public use Most large open parcels are privately owned, and some are open to public use No. Most or all large open parcels are privately owned and closed to public use
29. Is conservation-easement and/or land trust activity occurring in your area?

Viable farmland and open space is in conservation easements, and a land trust is active in the region. There are significant natural amenities within or very close to our community Our community is largely urbanized with very natural amenities and open space I dont know
30. Is there local support for farming and ranching through tax abatements and/or a dedicated fund to help purchase or protect prime working land?
Our community offers tax abatements and/or a dedicated fund to preserve farm and ranch lands and/or open space Our community has, or is working on, a plan to offer tax abatements and/or a dedicated fund. I dont know
31. Are there a water or springs conservancy organization active in your area?
Yes, we have a water conservancy or river group that works to ensure watershed health (river protection and restoration, water quality, and water quantity issues) Yes, we have recently created a water conservancy or river group. No, we dont have a conservancy or river group focused on water issues.
Sense of Place
32. Does your community have a public place or places (plaza, park, etc.) that foster
community interaction? Our community has well-developed public places and these areas are used both formally and informally as a place of community interaction Our community has some public places but they are not used to their full potential Our community has some public places but they are underutilized No! Our community does not have public places where citizens interact
33. Does your community have a program to sponsor art in public places (murals,
sculptures, etc?) Yes, we have a community arts organization and a formal program to place art throughout the community. Yes, we have a community arts organization but no formal program to place art in public places No. We have no public art organization or program. I dont know
34. Does your community sponsor events to celebrate its cultural heritage, natural
assets or community character? Yes. We have a number of fairs, concerts, events celebrating our community heritage, natural assets, or character. Yes, we have one or two events annually celebrating our community heritage, natural assets, or character. No. We do not have such events
35. Does your community have any organizations active in historic preservation at the
local or regional level? Yes. There is an active conservation commission and a historic preservation group. Yes. There is an active conservation commission or a historic preservation group No. There is no local organization is focused on historic preservation I dont know
36. Does your community have a network of sidewalks and trails that connect
neighborhoods with schools, shopping and other public destinations? Our community is very conducive to safe travel by foot or bike Most neighborhoods have sidewalks and some schools, shops and public places can be safely reached by foot or bike Sidewalks and trails connect some neighborhoods to schools and shopping
Our community has some sidewalks and trails but distances are too great to promote walking
Our community has almost no sidewalks or trails. Very few schools, shopping or public places are accessible by foot or bike 37. Is your downtown friendly to pedestrians? The downtown is very walkable. The downtown is specifically designed to favor pedestrians and bikes while accommodating the automobile The downtown is comfortable and safe for walking The downtown is walkable but is missing amenities such as benches, shade and protected crosswalks Walking in the downtown is not comfortable and does not feel entirely safe Walking in the downtown is very difficult due to high traffic volumes, high h speed, and a lack of pedestrian features
38. Do townspeople have easy walking access to public parks and playgrounds? Yes. Parks and playgrounds are available in all larger neighborhoods, and can easily be reached by walking from other parts of town We have some parks and playgrounds, but they cannot be easily reached by walking from all parts of town. No. We have very few parks and playgrounds 39. Can children safely walk to schools? Our community has an active "safe ways to school:" program and walking conditions are safe. Many children choose to walk. Walkways near the schools are safe and walking conditions are favorable with no major impediments Some children walk to school. Walkways near the schools are generally safe Few children walk or bike to school due to undesirable walking conditions and/or the absence of walkways Access to schools require auto (or school bus) travel. Walkways are either non-existent or unsafe due to traffic speed and dangerous walking conditions
Housing Choice
40. Which option best describes the mix of housing types in your community? We have a mix of housing types, including affordable housing to buy, multi-family rental housing, and senior housing that reflects the composition of our community. We have a mix of housing types but limited for some groups We have a limited mix, including some affordable housing. We have little diversity in housing type and price range There is a severe lack of diversity of housing type and price range. 41. Is housing affordable to all residents within your community regardless of age, income or life situation? Affordable housing is available to all groups within our community Affordable housing is available to most groups within our community Affordable housing is a concern especially for some groups The lack of affordable housing is a significant problem for some groups The lack of affordable housing is a significant impediment for our community 42. Can the community work force find housing within your community? Work force housing is available to all groups within our community Work force housing is available to most groups within our community Work force housing is a concern especially for some groups The lack of work force housing is a serious problem for some groups The lack of work force housing is a significant impediment for our community
Transportation Choice
43. Which of these options best describes the layout of the local streets? Streets are interconnected, in a clear pattern for getting around the community. The community has a network of streets but in outlying areas, streets are disconnected. The community has a network of streets in some areas Streets are disconnected with no clear pattern for getting around. Streets are disconnected and virtually all travel must use a few major roads 44. Are residents dependent on state and county roads for travel within the community? The community has a well developed network of roads that significantly reduces reliance on state and county roads Most areas within community has a well developed network of roads that significantly reduces reliance on state and county roads State and county roads carry most traffic but the local road network offers alternative travel options Most areas of the community must rely on state and county roads for travel The entire community is heavily dependent upon state and county roads for travel 45. Are state and county roads heavily used by traffic from outside your community? External traffic on state and county roads is easily handled by the road network External traffic is accommodated without causing impediments for local traffic External traffic is generally accommodated but local traffic is impeded at certain times The heavy use of state and county roads by external traffic interferes with local movement. The heavy use of state and county roads by external traffic is a significant problem for our community.
Service Delivery
46. Is your community served by a public water supply system? Our community is fully served by public water and all new development is required to connect Our community is fully served by public water but some development continues to rely on private systems Our community has a public water system but parts of the community rely on private water systems Our community is largely dependent on private water systems Our community is entirely dependent on private water wells and significant health problems are present 47. Does your community have an adequate water supply? Yes! The water supply is adequate for the foreseeable future and we have reliable access to this supply Yes! The water supply is adequate for the foreseeable future but access to this supply must be upgraded Water supply is adequate now but additional or alternative sources will be needed for the future The long term availability of water is a problem for our community but steps are being taken to develop adequate supplies The long term availability of water is a significant impediment for our community
48. Is your community served by a public wastewater system? Our community is fully served by public water and all new development is required to connect Our community is fully served by public wastewater Our community has a public wastewater system but parts of the community rely on private septic tanks or systems Our community is entirely dependent on private septic tanks and private systems Our community is entirely dependent on private septic tanks and significant health problems are present 49. Is your community able to adequately maintain its streets and walkways network? Streets and walkways are very well maintained and improvements to the system are routinely programmed Streets and walkways are very well maintained but additions to the system are not routinely programmed Our streets and walkways are adequately maintained but improvements are infrequent The maintenance of streets and walkways is a problem and improvements are rare Our streets and walkways are very poorly maintained and new facilities are never added 50. Is your community able to adequately maintain its parks and other public places? Parks and public places are very well maintained and improvements to the system are routinely programmed Parks and public places are very well maintained but additions to the system are not routinely programmed Our parks and public places are adequately maintained but improvements are infrequent The maintenance of parks and public places is a problem and improvements are rare Our parks and public places are very poorly maintained and new facilities are never added
Disaster Resistance
51. Is crime a problem? The community experiences very little crime and the low crime rate is viewed as a major asset for the community Our crime rate is low Crime is not an issue Crime is a problem for the community especially in some areas Crime represents a serious problem for the community 52. Is your community vulnerable to damage from flooding? The community has experienced no flooding problems Localized flooding occasionally occurs but corrective steps are taken Some areas of the community have been flooded in the past but corrective steps have been taken Some areas of our community are subject to severe and repetitive flooding Large areas of our community are subject to severe and repetitive flooding
53. Is your community vulnerable to damage from wildfire? Our community has experienced very little damage from hurricanes the past and is not located in an area vulnerable to wildfires Our community has experienced very little damage from hurricanes the past and has taken steps to lessen the risk from wildfires Our community has experienced very little damage from wildfires in the past Our community has experienced some damage from wildfires in the past Our community has experienced severe and repetitive damage from wildfires 54. How vulnerable is your community to damage from hurricanes? Our community is not located on the coast, has experienced very little damage from hurricanes the past and has a proactive disaster mitigation program Our community is not located on the coast and has experienced very little damage from hurricanes the past Our community is not located on the coast but has experienced damage from hurricanes Our community is located on the coast and has experienced damage from hurricanes in the past Our community is located on the coast and has experienced severe and repetitive damage from hurricanes

SWOTAnalysis Guide Best Practices

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SWOTAnalysis Guide Best Practices

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Best Practice Strength Weaknesses Opportunities & Threats

Self-Assessment Techniques for Small Florida Cities & Counties

Prepared for Florida Department of Community Affairs

August 31, 2007

Chapter 1: What is a SWOT Analysis?

Chapter 2: Assembly of Data

Chapter 3: Developing the Community Profile

Florida Geographic Data Library, GeoPlan Center, University of Florida, http://www.geoplan.ufl.edu

Table 1: Recommended Community Profile Data with Sources

Table 1: Recommended Community Profile Data with Sources (cont)

Table 2: Sample Data Table

Table 2: Sample Data Table (cont)

Table 3: Typical Maps & Images

Future Land Use

Existing Land Use

Chapter 4: SWOT Scorecards

No measurable or discernable opportunity or threat

No clear strength or weaknesses Meets minimum standards

Does your community offer a range of housing choice?

There is a severe lack of diversity of housing type and price range.

We have little diversity in housing type and price range

. We have a limited mix, including some affordable housing.

We have a mix of housing types but limited for some groups

The lack of affordable housing is a significant problem for some groups

Affordable housing is a concern especially for some groups

Affordable housing is available to most groups within our community

Work force housing is a concern especially for some groups

Work force housing is available to most groups within our community

Work force housing is available to all groups within our community

Composite Topic Score

Table 7: Sample Topic Weights:

Indicator Weight 40.0% 40

Chapter 5: Opportunities and Threats

Table 9: Opportunities & Threats - Topics & Indicators

Enhanced Public Involvement

Strengthen Existing Communities

Compact Community Design

Support Downtown and Neighborhood Centers

Table 9: Opportunities & Threats - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Encourage Business Diversity

Preserve Open Space and Natural Amenities

Table 9: Opportunities & Threats - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Efficient Service Delivery

Safe, Healthy & Disaster Resistant Communities

Fair & Predictable Development Review Process

Chapter 6: Strengths and Weaknesses

Land Development Code

Programs & Practices

Land Development Code Programs & Practices

Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators

Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Land Development Regulations

Programs & Practices

Land Development Code

Programs & Practices

Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Land Development Code Programs & Practices Sense of Place

Land Development Code

Programs & Practices

Table 10: Strengths & Weaknesses - Topics & Indicators (cont)

Land Development Code Programs & Practices Housing Choice

Land Development Code Programs & Practices