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.OBSERVATIONS AND RECOM�IE�IDATI4NS This report is intended to:provide a snapshot of current :: and anticipated conditions reflecting the overall health and well-being of the Indian River County community. It provides an opportunity for community leaders to engage in activities that promote abetter community overall. There is, however; no single solution. The report documents hard-eamed progress in our commu- nity's overall health and well-being made possible, in part, by V substantial contributions from government, private: enterprise,:: and the nonprofit sector. Prosperity for all, however, remains elusive. = Employing a Solutions -Oriented : Framework for Community Leadership however, Indian Riyer County's quality of life depends on an The indicators highlighted in this report provide an oppor- unusually high level of household givingby generous donors tunity for stakeholders engaged in related work to reflect and and philanthropists to supplement public dollars allocated to consider where to focus resources. Our approach to building a addressing communityneeds. Lastyear, contrutions:from better community encourages stakeholders to practice effec-: donors made up 41 percent of the $384 million in revenue , collected by Indian River County's top 200 501(c)(3): nonprofit five leadership by.championing orperticipating insolation -ori- . charities, followed by:39 percent from earned income,15 per- ented efforts to: .-centfromgovernment, and 5 percent frons investments,When • Review additional data -What information is needed or problems arise, generous donors will likely continueto respond : requires clarification to have a betterunderstanding of pion= to appeals forhelp in core areas of health, education, econom- lems and.concerns? is opportunity, and: housing. Despite this hopeful source of • Commission additional research - What new challenges or support; philanthropy isnot an adequate replacement for persistent problems need to be studied to provide a deeper: efficiencv and reliiabilitythat public dollars proviideto operate: understanding of the issue and possible solutions? systems that so many Indian River County residents depend on. • Engage community residents - Who is missing from the con- versation that might offer a different perspective or buy -in? Encouraging (i1V1C Engagement • Work across sectors - When does.a problem require multiple Indian River County recently celebrated its Centennial. It is stakeholders to bring about change? .hard to.imagine the dedication required byearly settlers to start • Marshal resources- What sources of funding need to be the processof turning a hot, huMid, sandy;mosquito-infested preserved or increased to support and sustain meaningful :.: place into the county it has become::: -: solutions? What opportunities exist to bring new capital into If we look at the last 10years of Indian River County's history the community? alone, there. are plenty of examplesof the Impact of civic • Shape public policy - What changes are required to ensure '. engagement A community hospital was saved- A public school .: government resources areI aligned with the most effective : districtwas turned around. Dozens more acres of shoreline solutions; or that government regulations (or the lack thereof) have been preserved to protect the Indian River Lagoon. Arts create opportunity for the health and prosperity of:all resi- and cultural: institution ire thriving and reaching a broader dents? audience. Tfiere,are many more: During this same periodMowever; the community's strong: Preserving .a Balance Between Public tradition of civic engagement frayed. Despite national and Private Financial Resources recognition of excellence for Indian River County's Supervisor .. of Elections office- voter turnout has.ebbed and flowed. Ballot Ina postCOVID-19 era:with continued reductions in federal measures to sustain critical programrriing for local children . and state financing, local taxpayers and philanthropicsupport have failed. Mandates imposing costly requirements for septic will be needed to maintain progress and bring about positive to sewerconversions by homeowners have gone unfunded. change. With one of the lowest tax rates in Florida.a' d one : Iconic -servant leaders like Dari Richardson and Alma Lee Loy of the highest rates of household giving in the.country, Indian have: passed away. River County residents have practiced fiscal responsibility There are plenty of community needs that cannot bead - while demonstrating maximum generosity in service of a better dressed by one person: alone. Whatever inspires you to give or community. get involved :.:.give ...get involved. The,future. of this Indian Unlike many rural communities throughout the country, River Countycorhmunity depends on it.