City of Chesapeake Neighborhood Quality of Life Study 2014 Update - page 4

Executive Summary
The City of Chesapeake provides opportunities for people to live in many different environments
that range from the traditional neighborhoods of South Norfolk to the open countryside of
Southern Chesapeake. Neighborhoods also vary in the assets and challenges that may support or
hinder community quality of life. The Chesapeake Neighborhood Quality of Life Study was first
developed in 2006 as a tool to aid community residents, elected officials and local government
staff in prioritizing investments to improve quality of life across four dimensions: social, crime,
physical, and economic. This 2014 Neighborhood Quality of Life Study Update (2014 NQL
Study) builds on the work of the 2006 NQL Study by adding refinements to the methodology and
presenting the results of the most recent quality of life data analysis.
Process
The project was guided by an inter-departmental Quality of Life Cabinet.1 The 2014 NQL Study
included the following four phases:
1. Refined NQL Method, Units and Indicators: Interviewed City of Chesapeake staff
regarding their priorities for the 2014 update; facilitated a Civic League meeting to assess
community-based priorities for the 2014 update; surveyed the national state of the
practice in neighborhood quality of life indices; reviewed the methods of the 2006 NQL
Study; and developed a set of methodology recommendations and options for the 2014
NQL Study.
2. Revised Neighborhood Statistical Area Maps: Produced a citywide map reflecting the
updated NSA boundaries and a set of locator maps for each NSA.
3. Analyzed and Mapped Quality of Life Data: Collected quality of life data from federal,
state and local sources for 26 variables; standardized and analyzed the data by variable
and by quality of life dimension; and produced a set of maps showing the results for each
of the four dimensions and the cumulative quality of life ranking.
4. Drafted Final Report: Revised the 2006 NQL Study report to reflect updated
methodologies and results of the 2014 analysis.
NQL Method Review Recommendations
Based on research during the Method Review, the Quality of Life Cabinet approved two primary
changes to the NQL methodology established in 2006.
• Revised Geographic Units: While the 2006 NQL Study analysis was conducted using
local neighborhood boundaries as the geographic units, the 2014 NQL Study analysis
1 The Quality of Life Cabinet includes representatives from the following City departments: Development
and Permits, Health, Human Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works. The Cabinet also includes
representatives from the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Chesapeake Public
Schools.
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